Blessed Thistle. Blessed thistle is used for digestive problems such as gas, constipation, and upset stomach. This herb is also used to treat liver and gallbladder diseases.

Burdock Root. Burdock root is a mild diuretic. It increases the production of both urine and sweat, potentially making it useful in treating swelling and fever. Burdock root might play a role in preventing liver damage caused by alcohol, chemicals, or medications.

Kelp. Kelp is a sea vegetable that is a concentrated source of minerals, including: iodine, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and iron. Kelp as a source of iodine assists in making the thyroid hormones, which are necessary for maintaining normal metabolism in all cells of the body.

Red Clover. Red clover is a source of many valuable nutrients, including: calcium, chromium, magnesium, niacin, phosphorus, potassium, thiamine, and vitamin C. Red clover is also one of the richest sources of isoflavones (water-soluble chemicals that act like estrogens and are found in many plants). The isoflavones found in red clover have been studied for their effectiveness in treating some forms of cancer. It is thought that the isoflavones prevent the proliferation of cancer cells and that they may even destroy cancer cells.

Sheep Sorrel. Sheep sorrel is a rich source of oxalic acid, sodium, potassium, iron, manganese, phosphorous, beta carotene, and vitamin C. This essiac tea ingredient is a mild diuretic, mild antiseptic, and a mild laxative.

Slippery Elm Bark. Slippery elm bark has been used as a poultice for cuts and bruises, and also for aching joints due to gout or other causes. Besides being an essiac tea ingredient, this herb is also used to alleviate sore throats. Slippery elm bark is found in many lozenges that claim to soothe throat irritation. .

Turkish Rhubarb Root. This detoxifying herb is world-famous for its healing properties. Rhubarb root purges the body of bile, parasites, and stagnating food in the gut by stimulating the gall duct to expel toxic waste matter. It has been shown to alleviate chronic liver problems by cleansing the liver.

Watercress. High in Vitamin C, watercress is used as a general tonic, and its bitter taste is thought to regulate the appetite and improve digestion. It can be used to alleviate nervous conditions, constipation, and liver disorders. Watercress is a popular cough and bronchitis remedy.