Flor • Essence® Herbal Tea Blend: Essiac + 4 Additional Detox Herbs for Cancer

[Guest guest]

Flor • Essence® Herbal Tea Blend

 

These articles come from the alternative-medicine-message-boards.info

Essiac Forum, however do not be surprised if the links aren't

accessible. Obviously, Flora has disabled the links, undoubtedly

perhaps at the FDA's insistence. The information may still be

accessible on their Canadian site however.

JoAnn

 

Gentle detox for the whole body. Purifies the blood, kidneys, liver,

lungs, colon & deepest cells.

 

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/R68090.asp

 

gentle detox for the whole body

6 stages of deterioration in the body

purify • detoxify

when to detoxify

safe & simple to use

flor•essence supported by science

 

 

gentle detox for the whole body

 

In this modern world our health is confronted with numerous

challenges. Exposure to toxic substances such as chemicals,

pesticides, food preservatives, car exhaust and tobacco can, over

time, transform healthy cells into abnormal cells that may lead to

chronic problems. Each year the average American consumes more than

four pounds of chemical preservatives and food additives. This year

alone, it is estimated that around 170,000 premature deaths will

result from tobacco use. And air pollution levels in our largest

cities have far overshot regulatory standards.

 

 

 

 

 

 

6 stages of deterioration in the body

 

As toxins and free radicals accumulate, their presence triggers a

breakdown in the body – a progression of events that, if unchecked,

leads to serious health problems. Each one of these events, or

stages of disease, is accompanied by noticeable physical symptoms.

 

1 lack of energy

 

Energy levels are directly impacted by nutrition and the body's

ability to break down and absorb the nutrients contained in food.

Food that is not broken down properly, poorly absorbed, or low in

nutritional value leaves us feeling tired, sluggish and

unrested: " Failure to properly digest food leaves it to putrefy and

ferment, turning it into toxic substances that pass from the blood

into tissues. " (i)This undigested food (called chyme) becomes

encrusted on intestinal walls, further obstructing the absorption

ofnutrients and depleting the body of energy.

 

2 accumulation of toxins

 

Poor digestion, constipation and irregular bowel movements are signs

that the body is not disposing of waste properly, leading to an

accumulation of toxins. A bowel movement once or less per day is

cause for concern (a baby has a bowel movement soon after it has

finished feeding). This accumulation of toxins causes damage at the

cellular level.

 

3 irritation

 

Rising levels of toxic material in the body cause irritation both

internally and externally. The warning signs are itchy or irritated

skin, rashes, nausea, insomnia or mood swings. These are signals

that the body's elimination pathways are not working properly and

are no longer able to effectively remove toxins and waste.

 

4 inflammation

 

This stage is marked by the presence of pain and visible swelling.

Inflammation occurs if there is constant irritation to areas where

toxins continue to accumulate. This stage is a precursor to serious

damage.

 

5 ulceration

 

Ulcers occur in localized areas of the body where high levels of

stored toxins destroy the cells and tissues around them. Increased

pain is felt at this stage, as nerves are now exposed when tissue

ulcerates.

 

6 hardening of tissue

 

To keep toxins from spreading outside of the ulcerated areas, the

body fills in the ulcers with scar tissue. This toxic material is

now encased in a sack of hardened tissue. " The sack is what we refer

to as a tumor.., " says author Harvey Diamond.(ii) This is the last

stage where the body still has control of its cells. If nothing is

done at this point, cells begin to mutate.

 

 

 

 

purify • detoxify

 

Optimum health is based on sound nutrition, regular exercise,

sufficient rest and the body's ability to purify and detoxify itself

of toxins and waste. While all of these factors are important,

purification and detoxification are vital for gathering toxins and

waste, and removing this material from the body. Most toxins are

filtered first by the liver, and then eliminated from the body's

other organs, bloodstream and elimination pathways. Insufficient

detoxification in any one of these areas causes the liver to become

overloaded, diminishing its ability to cleanse, and further

impairing the elimination process. This greatly increases the chance

of serious health problems, and is a direct cause of premature

degeneration of the body.

 

The body performs the tasks of detoxification daily. Often it is not

able to keep up with the toxins, waste and free radicals that

accumulate due to outside influences such as pollution, heavy

metals, poor drinking water, and unhealthy dietary choices. This

makes the process of purification and detoxification our

responsibility, as the body cannot effectively do the job without

help in the form of a detoxifier.

 

flor•essence gently deals with toxins

 

Flor • Essence® has earned worldwide respect as a gentle yet

powerful detoxifying and revitalizing formula. Most other cleansing

kits aggressively remove accumulated waste with often harsh side-

effects and rarely deal with toxins that infiltrate all our organs

and tissues. Flor • Essence® liquid gently flushes toxic residue

from the kidneys, liver, lungs, colon, bloodstream and deepest

cells.

 

The active components in the herbs contained in Flor • Essence® also

improve digestion and cleanse the intestinal organs, gently

removing 'sludge' that prevents full absorption of vital nutrients.

Strong bowel-evacuating herbs may irritate the colon and repeated

colonics can wash away valuable friendly bacteria. With digestion

improved, Flor • Essence® keeps food from fermenting in the

intestinal tract and from becoming a source of toxins. The results

are healthier, toxin-free cells, improved digestion, optimal health

and vibrant energy.

 

 

 

 

when to detoxify

 

It is recommended that you complete at least a one-month

detoxification program with Flor • Essence® every six months to

maintain good health. However, if you are not in good health, are

low in energy, or currently find that you fit into one of the stages

of disease, it is important to remain on a cleansing and

detoxification program until health has returned, energy levels have

increased, and you no longer feel any physical symptoms associated

with these stages.

 

 

 

 

safe & simple to use

 

Flor • Essence® can be purchased ready-made or be prepared at home.

Take on its own or as a tea by diluting the amount listed below with

an equal or double amount of hot or cold water. Use spring or

distilled water when preparing. Sip slowly.

 

Adults: Take 2 oz. of Flor • Essence® twice daily.

Children: (4 and up): Give 1 oz. of Flor • Essence® twice daily.

 

Note: Take on an empty stomach, 1/2 hour before any meal, and at

bedtime. After opening, keep refrigerated and consume within 3

weeks. Flor • Essence® can be safely taken during chemotherapy or

radiation treatment.

 

 

 

 

flor•essence supported by science

 

Flor • Essence® is based on a traditional eight herb formula which

has been used for over 100 years by patients worldwide to treat a

variety of chronic conditions.

 

Research has shown that even those undergoing conventional medical

treatments demonstrate many positive results with this tea. The

formula possesses numerous healing components including trace

elements, vitamins, minerals, phytoestrogens, anti-oxidants and

other active substances.

 

A literature review conducted by the University of Texas Center for

Alternative Medicine Research (UT-CAM) identified 107 references on

the principal herbs used in Flor • Essence®. Participants in the

University of Texas survey reported feeling and coping better,

increased energy and reduced symptoms after treatment with Flor •

Essence®.(iii)

 

Recent clinical research conducted with the Russian Ministry of

Health revealed that Flor • Essence® helps boost the immune system

and is an effective treatment for chronic gastrointestinal ailments.

(iv)

 

A study conducted by the University of British Columbia in Canada

found Flor • Essence® to possess powerful antioxidant properties.

For example, one molecule of vitamin C or vitamin E destroys one

free radical, whereas one molecule of Flor • Essence® destroys 14

free radicals.

 

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/R68090.asp

_________________

 

Posted: Tue Jun 08, 2004 6:55 pm

Post subject:

Flor-Essence™ Herbal Tonic Use in North America: A Profile

 

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Flor-Essence™ Herbal Tonic Use in North America: A Profile of

General Consumers & Cancer Patients

by Mary Ann Richardson, DrPH*, Tina Ramirez, BA*, Carmen Tamayo,

MD*, Carrie Perez, BA*, J. Lynn Palmer, PhD**

 

*Centers for Alternative Medicine Research and Health Promotion

Research and Development, The University of Texas-Houston School of

Public Health

 

**Department of Biostatistics, The University of Texas M. D.

Anderson Cancer Center

http://www.florahealth.com/flora/home/usa/products/r68090_rs_dt.asp

 

ABSTRACT:

 

Objectives: Flor-Essence™ and Essiac™ are widely used herbal tonics.

After three decades, little is known about consumers. This pattern

of use survey was conducted to 1) profile consumers, 2) characterize

cancer patients, and 3) determine reasons for use, benefits, and

adverse events.

 

Methods: A population based study assessed Flor-Essence™ consumers

in North America between June 1998 and August 1999. Data are

presented in frequencies and proportions.

 

Results: Of 5,051 consumers (response 6.4%), most were Caucasian,

educated, American, long-term users (mean 15.8 months, SD=17.4), and

cancer patients. Of 1,577 cancer patients (response 42.4%), 85.3%

were treated previously and 36.8% currently with conventional

medicine for breast, prostate, or lung cancer. Overall, 64.5%

discussed using the tonic with physicians; few (11.4%) exceeded the

recommended dose. Most patients reported clinical and quality of

life improvement, but 6.6% experienced adverse events. Conclusions:

The tonic is widely distributed. Many cancer patients combine

conventional treatment with the tonic and attribute benefits to the

tonic. The use of herbal formulas is a public health issue; thus,

assessment of clinical benefit and potential interaction with cancer

treatment is warranted.

 

BACKGROUND:

 

Flor-Essence™ and Essiac™ are two of the most widely used herbal

tonics by cancer patients. An estimated 35% of cancer patients in

Canada1 use these tonics, whose long and controversial history spans

three decades.2,3 In a recent survey at a large comprehensive cancer

center in the United States, 38% of patients reported using herbs

and overall, 4.9% used the Flor-Essence™ or Essiac™ tonic4.

 

Both formulas contain four principal herbs: Burdock root (Arctium

lappa L.), Turkish rhubarb root (Rheum palmatum L.), Sheep sorrel

(Rumex acetosella L.), and Slippery elm bark (Ulmus rubra Muhl.).

 

However, Flor-Essence™ contains four additional herbs that are

believed to potentiate the formula:

 

Watercress (Nasturtium officinale R. Br.), Blessed Thistle (Cnicus

benedictus L.), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense L.) and Kelp

(Laminaria digitata Lmx.). Flor-Essence™ tonic is manufactured in

Canada where approximately forty thousand units of tonic and dried

herbs are distributed to Canada and the United States each month.

 

A review of the literature on these tonics and the four principal

herbs resulted in 107 references. Of those, 68% (n=73) were related

to cancer.5 Although 24 pre-clinical evaluations of individual herbs

were reported, no pre-clinical or clinical trials of the tonic were

identified.5 One clinical study with Essiac™ was discontinued by The

Health Protection Branch of Health Canada in 1978 because of limited

physician participation. Data from 87 participants was considered

inadequate to determine any impact on survival.6 However, no

toxicity was reported, but quality of life or pain control were not

evaluated.3,7 Subsequently, claims for clinical benefit were

discontinued the manufacturers who then began marketing the product

as a nutritional supplement with general health claims (i.e.,

prevent disease, relieve pain, and improve quality of life).

 

Claims as a cancer cure persist, however, with anecdotal reports of

reduced tumor growth, improved quality of life, and prolonged

survival.8 Although these tonics remain untested for anticancer

activity, anti-oxidant activity has been confirmed for the Flor-

Essence™ product.9 Moreover, qualitative thin layer chromatography

(TLC) has confirmed seven herbs that contain trace elements,

minerals, and phytoestrogens.10 Levels of flavonoids,

phenylcarboxylic acids, and emodin are monitored regularly in each

batch.

 

Pre-clinical and clinical evaluations of Flor-Essence™, in

collaboration with the Russian Ministry of Health have assessed

acute and chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity studies were unable to

determine a lethal dose in albino mice and rats. Furthermore,

chronic toxicity tests found no renal or hepatic toxicity doses that

were 10 fold the therapeutic dose (15 ml/kg) in albino mice and rats

and 5-fold (7.5 ml/kg) in dogs.11 Sponsor initiated in-vivo studies

report reduced number and size of chemical mediated gastric

ulcerations, protection of capillaries against xylene-mediated

leakage, and prevention of chemically induced anti-inflammation.10

 

Given the historical and widespread use of these tonic, limited

preclinical data by manufacturers only, and the anecdotal reports of

efficacy from cancer patients, a pattern of use survey of Flor-

Essence™ consumers and cancer patients was conducted to 1) profile

the general consumers, 2) characterize cancer patients, and 3)

determine their reasons for use, perceived benefits, and adverse

events. Ultimately, this information will inform the medical

community and cancer patients, stimulate manufacturers to prepare

the tonics for clinical investigation with an Investigational Drug

Application (IND), and guide the development of clinical trials with

information on which cancer patients are more likely to use the

product.

 

METHODS:

 

Individuals who purchased Flor-Essence™ in the United States or

Canada between June 1998 and August 1999 were invited to

participate, regardless of age, gender, or disease status. The

Committee for the Protection of Human Subjects at the University of

Texas-Houston approved the study at two levels; participation was

voluntary.

 

The manufacturers shipped 20,000 units of product in Canada and

65,245 in the United States over a three month period, beginning in

June, 1998. Each product contained an invitation from the owner of

Flora Manufacturing and Distributing Ltd to participate so that the

company could learn more about who is using the product and why.

Each product contained a self-addressed, stamped postcard with the

brief pattern of use survey. To ensure confidentiality, each

postcard contained a unique identification number.

 

For Phase I, the pattern of use survey of general consumers

collected information on demographics (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity,

country of residence, marital status, education level, and household

income), medical condition (i.e., arthritis, cancer, multiple

sclerosis, or other), reasons for use (i.e., prevention, control

symptoms, treat a medical condition, or other), duration of use, and

perceived benefits using a 5 point rating scale from excellent to

poor.

 

Current or former cancer patients were invited to call UT-CAM about

the details of a second survey specifically about their experience

with the tonic. For Phase II, interested individuals who telephoned

UT-CAM and were current or former cancer patients were invited to

participate. After obtaining verbal consent, research assistants

collected contact information to mail the coded survey. Callers who

declined to participate or who were ineligible were encouraged to

complete and return the postcard. Flora Manufacturing and

Distributing Ltd provided one complimentary product to individuals

who completed the cancer specific survey.

 

The cancer specific survey was adapted from an instrument that

assessed complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in a

comprehensive cancer center.12 Cancer patients who were using the

tonic provided information on their cancer status (i.e., date of

diagnosis, stage and site of disease, current status), conventional

treatment (i.e., chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, hormonal), and

use of other CAM therapies. We also asked about their reasons and

expectations for using Flor-Essence™ as well as information on dose,

frequency, adverse events, positive effects, changes in symptoms

(i.e., nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, fatigue, pain). For

patients who discussed use with their physicians, we also asked how

the physicians responded; otherwise, patients explained their

reasons for nondisclosure about the herbal use.

 

RESULTS:

 

Eligibility and consent rate

Of the 85,245 units distributed, 5,435 (response rate = 6.4%)

postcards were received for Phase I. A total of 384 general

consumers were excluded because they were treating pets (n=3 or

responded after the study closed (n=346) in September, 1999. Of the

5,051 eligible general consumers, 3,749 (74.2%) were eligible for

Phase II. Of these, 54.9% (n=2,060) cancer patients consented to

participate, but 1,588 (42.4%) actually completed the survey;

however, 11 individuals were excluded because they responded after

the study closed.

 

Figure 1: Frequency and Proportion of Accrual by Phase

 

 

 

 

 

Phase I: Profile of General Consumers

 

The majority of Flor- Essence™ consumers were educated above the

high school level (63.6%), Caucasian (92.0%), married (68.8%),

living in the United States (80.0%), 61.6 years of age (SD = 13.9),

and approximately equally distributed by gender.

 

Table 1. The average duration of use was 15.79 months (SD = 17.35,

range 0-130 months), and primarily (62.4%) to treat a medical

condition rather than prevent disease (35.3%) or control symptoms

(21.3%).

 

Cancer was the most commonly reported medical condition (75.1%), but

health concerns included arthritis (14.5%), multiple sclerosis

(1.0%), and other (14.7%) conditions (i.e., allergies/asthma,

chronic fatigue, cysts, diabetes, high blood pressure/heart disease,

hepatitis/liver disease, osteoporosis, or bladder, prostate, skin,

or stomach problems).

 

Most consumers rated the benefits of the tonic as very

good/excellent (72.2%), but 24.4% rated the tonic as okay, and 3.4%

as not very good/poor.

_________________

 

Post subject:

Floressence: Ingredients & Suggested Use

 

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Ingredients:

Purified water, aqueous extracts of: certified organic burdock

root*, certified organic sheep sorrel herb*, slippery elm bark,

watercress herb, Turkish rhubarb root, kelp, certified organic

blessed thistle herb*, certified organic red clover blossom*.

Contains no caffeine, preservatives or artificial colors.

* Certified organic.

 

 

Suggested Use & Directions:

For adults: Measure out 2 oz. of tea and dilute with an equal or

double amount of purified water. Take twice daily on an empty

stomach approximately 1 hour before breakfast and 1 hour before

bedtime. Sip slowly.

For children (ages 2-12): Measure our 3/4 to 1 oz. once or twice

daily. Dilute and take as above. Sip slowly.

For infants (under age 2): Measure out 1/4 to 1/2 oz. of tea once or

twice daily. Dilute and take as above. Sip slowly.

 

Shake the Flor•Essence® liquid well before use. After opening, KEEP

REFRIGERATED AT ALL TIMES and use within 3 weeks. Color and taste

may fluctuate from batch to batch depending on herbal sources.

 

 

 

 

Nutritional Information:

 

Authorized by: Elaine Alexander®

 

Elaine Alexander, the noted Canadian radio producer/ broadcaster and

health researcher, is now associated exclusively with Flora to

produce Flor•Essence®. This mildly bitter herbal tea blend with

cleansing properties was entrusted to Elaine from Dr. Charles

Brusch, M.D., personal physician to the late President John F.

Kennedy and partner in research and co-owner with the famous

Canadian nurse, Rene Caisse, in perfecting this formula at his

Cambridge, Massachu-setts clinic. Elaine's long dedication to

researching this work prompted Dr. Brusch to pass this formula on to

her. Flor•Essence® is the only product on the market authorized to

carry Elaine's signature on the packaging and instructions to vouch

for its historical authenticity.

 

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug

Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat,

cure, or prevent any disease.

_________________

 

JoAnn Guest

mrsjoguest

DietaryTipsForHBP

http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest