One of the reasons that herbs cannot be standardized is that there is no easy way to do this. Air quality, altitude and soil conditions affect the potency of the herbs. As the manufacturer of Ojibwa Tea of Life, I use a network of growers in different growing regions. Our herbs are not fumigated or sprayed with toxic substances, as are most imported herbs and many that are grown in this country. Lesser grade herbs are sometimes so inactive that even large amounts may lack the medicinal constituents.
Today there are hundreds of synthetic poisons available to agriculturists.
Distilled water is best for brewing the essiac formula. A lower standard of purity would decrease effectiveness of this product. This decoction should be prepared with stainless steel vessels and instruments. Stainless steel, while much more costly than other metals, is the most sanitary and nonreactive. No harmful preservatives should be used.