Maroon Bush Tea Potbags, These are big pot bags (not 1 cup jigglers) and should make enough tea to last up to one week.
Please Note: The Department of Environment (DEC) has declined to renew my licences and points out that Scaevola spinescens has an S4 classification. Legal advice is that I should no longer sell or supply the tea. You may contact me on 0895721004
Maroon Bush tea (Scaevola spinescens) has been used by Western Australians since the early 1950's. The Health Department (WA Chemistry Centre) supplied it to cancer patients for many years and as recently as 2005 (see Health Dept 2005 Annual Report).
No organised medical trials have been kept, at least no records of trials have been kept. In the 1950's/60's a trial was run through the Health Department, however no records were kept or the records were lost. There is a strong anecdotal history suggesting therapeutic benefit.
Further research is vital for the future of the use of this plant and I am very interested in working with anyone interested in generating further research.
You may call me on 0895721004 or email me. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have a question or think you can help. (0895721004)
Regards
Jeanie Crago
24/3/10 It has been a long time since the petition by James Staniforth Smith regarding licencing, in which we got over 1800 signatures... In hind sight we should have been asking for the removal of the S4 classification.
Please accept my apologies for not passing on the disappointing results sooner. Although on reading the paragraph below, it may sound positive, on enquiry to the DEC (Department of Environment) it only allows for personal licences for scientific purposes. This is of very little use to anyone who is not 'bush smart' or to those who are suffering ill health.
Below is the final paragraph of the letter from Dr Kim Hames on 17/3/08 responding to the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs (petition) where he says:
"I have no objection to the DEC issuing a licence to collect Scaevola spinescens. I also support a patient's access to treatment of their choice. However, this access does need medical supervision, especially as the potential adverse effects of Scaevola spinescens are unknown. The Challenge is to enable patient access to a treatment where no commercial medicinal preparation is available while limiting their exposure to an untested medicine. I trust the information provided is useful. If you require further clarification or detail please contact Mr Murray Patterson, Chief Pharmacist, DOH, on 93884080.
Yours Sincerely, Dr Kim Hames MLA, Deputy Premier, Minister for Health"
On 16 March, 2010 I made a second request for a meeting with Dr Kim Hames to discuss the following points, and I quote my email to his office.
"1. The removal of the S4 classification from the Scaevola spinescens plant.
2. Re-classification of the Scaevola spinescens / Maroon bush tea as a food supplement / herbal tea on the basis of independeant research proving non-toxicity.
3. Re-issue of CP licence to collect Scaevola spinescens and PN nurserymans licence to grow Scaevola spinescens to Jeanie Crago.
4. Please bear in mind that I wish to work with the government to see that the best outcome can be achieved to protect the plant and at the same time to allow it’s use by those in the community who wish to use it.
5. I have personally used the Maroon Bush tea for over 5 years with only beneficial results to my health."
Dear Jeanie
I have received your email of 16 March requesting a meeting with Minister Hames.
The Minister has read your request but unfortunately at this time is not available to meet with you and sends his apologies.
Kind regards
Vicki Schneideman
Appointments Secretary for Deputy Premier The Hon Dr Kim Hames, MLA Minister for Health: Indigenous Affairs DD: 9222 9445 vicki.schneideman@dpc.wa.gov.au
As you can imagine I feel helpless and don't know what to do to initiate change. I wish to continue supplying tea to those who need/want it, but cannot change these laws on my own.
Please if you are able to help me in anyway please don't hesitate to contact me?
Maybe there is a lawyer out there who wants to take on a challenge?
I believe with the history of anecdotal use combined with recent independant toxicity testing there should be no reason why this could not be used just like Camomile or any other herb tea.
You may call me on 0895721004 or email me. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have a question or think you can help. (0895721004)
Regards
Jeanie Crago
