Be aware that it is illegal for a seller to claim that this remedy cures or alleviates any disease or condition. Anecdotal claims that the herbal tea cures cancer or AIDS are not supported by any US or Canadian scientific clinical studies so it has has never been approved by the FDA. And may never be, since clinical studies required by the FDA take between 17 and 25 years with estimated costs of $350 million to $500 million dollars.

Be wary of websites who claim their product cures or alleviates any disease or condition, or display many "customer testimonies" to the same effect. Although encouraging to read, testimonies should be regarded as unsubstantiated and poorly documented anecdotes used for product promotion -- and they make illegal claims.

Be aware that Rene Caisse's recipe and directions for cooking it have been public information for more than 15 years. Rene's helper, Mary McPherson, knew the recipe and in 1994 signed a sworn affidavit containing the formula and directions (copies on view in library and Museum located in Bracebridge, Ontario, Canada). Mary verified Gary Glum's 1988 recipe as correct (he got it from a Caisse patient).

Be aware that all herbal tea products based on Rene Caisse's formula (including the 8 herb products) are officially regarded as "Essiac" by the FDA and the FTC, regardless of their name and trademark. "Essiac" and "essiac" are interchangeable names with same meaning, according to FTC. No one has exclusive right of use for any Rene Caisse formula version since herbal combinations cannot be patented.

Be aware that only very large and established companies can afford the expense and time of convincing thousands of health food stores to stock their product, or afford aggressive internet advertising. This is reflected in expensive product prices.

Be aware that expensive is not always better. The four herbs in the recipe are fairly common (although Slippery Elm trees may be put on an endangered list) and relatively inexpensive. Honoring Rene's wish that her tea be affordable, I use high quality herbs and keep my price markup as low as possible ($15 for a quart of tea, $14.00 for 4.2oz dry herbs). The price and profit markup put on some products is just astronomical and constitutes commercial exploitation.

Be wary of high-priced products and even with reasonably priced products, make sure the herbs in the product are the four traditional herbs (not substitutions) -- Burdock root (Arctium lappa), Sheep Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), Slippery Elm bark (Ulmus fulva) and Turkey rhubarb (Rheum palmatum). Rene reportedly preferred Turkey rhubarb over Indian rhubarb (Rheum officianale) because it was less bitter.

Be aware that our society has become oriented toward convenience products requiring little or no effort on our part and we pay extra for that convenience. Our grandmothers made bread and cakes from recipe books, who does that nowadays? "Convenience essiac products" (tinctures, extracts and capsules) require no effort on your part, no need to learn how to cook, steep and bottle the tea. However...

Be aware tinctures and extracts are both basically made by soaking dried herbs in alcohol, no traditional cooking of the herbs is involved. The same for capsules made of "raw" powdered dried herbs. Modern machine milling of the herbs to a fine dust-like powder may be very hard on them!

Be aware that dried herbs lose their potency over a period of time (like regular medications do). Light and heat are also enemies of these herbs. Therefore, purchase the herbal tea only if it is in a dark glass bottle (with no preservatives), and if buying dried herbs, make sure the packaging is airtight with minimal or no light exposure. Always look for an expiration date and/or date of manufacture on the product.

Be aware that a fresh, high-quality dried mix should have a strong and herby aroma, and you should be able to see all sorts of bits and pieces of herbs.