Discovery of ascorbate's effectiveness as documented by Jacques Cartier in 1566 has led to a new method of getting ascorbate into the blood. Intravenous delivery of ascorbate for treatment would equal possibly thousands of cups of ascorbate-containing medicinal tea, but in an extremely timely and efficient manner.

The original Essiac formula is believed to have its roots from the native Canadian Ojibway Indians. The four main herbs that make up Essiac are Burdock Root, Slippery Elm Inner Bark, Sheep Sorrel and Indian Rhubarb Root. more on Caisse.

Salvestrol may be Essiac's successor as a cancer treatment, harvested from certain fruits containing salvestrols including cranberries.