February 7th, 2025
Our New Website on Nurse Rene Caisse and her Essiac Journey
We’re excited to introduce ReneCaisse.com, a new website dedicated to Rene Caisse’s journey and the legacy of Essiac.
The site takes you through Rene’s early years in Bracebridge, her pursuit of a nursing degree in Connecticut, and her return to Canada, where she worked tirelessly in remote Red Cross outposts caring for lumbermen and miners. It was during this time that she met Mrs. A, a woman who had survived breast cancer thanks to a traditional Ojibwa herbal remedy. Mrs. A shared the formula’s ingredients with Rene—which would later be known as Essiac, Rene Caisse’s last name spelled backwards.
“all the patients would seem to throw off all their depressions, fears, distress, burdens and develop a new optimistic outlook on life. As pain decreased and disappeared, they would become happy and talkative. My waiting room was the brightest spot in the clinic.”
- Rene Caisse personal quote on her Essiac clinic, renecaisse.com
Nurse Caisse and her journey
Rene’s journey with Essiac was one of remarkable successes, perseverance, and adversity. Her first patient—given only days to live—went on to survive for four more years, attracting the attention of Dr. R.N. Fisher, the first to help test Essiac in a laboratory setting. Soon after, Rene’s own aunt was diagnosed with a malignancy in her stomach, yet after Essiac treatment, she went on to live many healthy decades. Recognizing her success, Dr. Albert Bastedo offered Rene the British Lions Hotel for just $1 per month, allowing her to open a clinic in Bracebridge, near a bridge, later called the Bridge of Hope.
Throughout her career, Rene gained the support of visionary physicians, including Dr. Frederick Banting, co-discoverer of insulin. However, as her success grew, so did her opposition—from medical institutions and government entities, including the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. Once supportive, these organizations ultimately sought to suppress her work.
At ReneCaisse.com, you’ll find the full story—from Essiac’s origins in 1922 to its impact today.
Explore:
• Detailed historical accounts of Rene Caisse’s life and work
• Archival photographs from the early 1900s
• Clinical studies on Essiac and its ingredients
• A timeline highlighting key moments in Essiac’s history
We invite you to discover this extraordinary and inspirational story at ReneCaisse.com.