IMMORTAL IMMUNITY Medicinal Plant collection

Promoting Natural Immunity - Immortal Immunity Theory

(Video transcription found below article)

Immune Response Principles:

The immune system response mechanisms have been classified into three types of immune cells. Lymphocytes (T-Cells, B-Cells, and Natural Killer cells), neutrophils, and macrophages (4). Guided by this principle we employ the use of various plant medicines to achieve optimal natural immune functioning by activating the production and modulation of immune cells. Below is highlighted the general pharmacokinetics of the Immortal Immunity plant/fungi medicines.

Ganoderma lucida – Reishi

Reishi has shown extensive all-reaching immuno-modulating effects derived from its  polysaccharides.  Reishi modulates the function of antigen-presenting cells (APC), mononuclear phygocyte system, humoral immunity, and cellular immunity (15). Reishi enhances the natural killer cell and macrophage responses of the innate immunity and even promote the function and maturation of dendritic cells. This is significant because the lymphocyte response and other immune-modulatory effects don’t just stimulate the immune responses, but moderate and regulate them. It supports the natural intelligence of the body by guiding the immunology to either promote and/or inhibit the production of certain immune responses (i.e. the three immune cells outlined earlier, macrophages, lymphocytes, and neutrophils).  (15)

Reishi has long been associated with attainment of immortality, especially among the Taoists for up to some 2000 years ago. To them it was a sacred fungus which when processed alchemically, would luminesce and and when consumed promote immortality. Throughout the millinea, multitudinous recipes for elixirs of immortality have involved the Ganoderma genus among many other mushrooms. Mushrooms themselves simply imply immortality to the ancient alchemists. Though many who have consumed these ancient elixirs have in fact died (only to witness the eternality of their spiritual self), many many more have lived on to immortalize its reputation as a strong re-enlivening,  anti-aging, and longevity enhancing medicine (16).

Eastern scientists have reported that spore extracts of G. lucidum prolong the life span, stimulate and regulate the immune system, and affect the endocrine system. The exact mechanisms are unknown though its initial research and historical use certainly motivates us to further study (16). Western science is slowly fcatching up to the fact that it potent anti-cancer properties and neuroprotective effects are making massive contributions towards combating Parkinsons disease,

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Fig 3 A nine branched Ganoderma lucidum on a table is a detail in a hanging scroll depicting ‘Lady Xuanwen Jun giving instructions on the classics’, dated 1638, by Chen Hongshou 1598-1652, Ming Dynasty, ink and color on silk, 173.7 x 55.4 cm. © The Cleveland Museum of Art, 2002, Mr. and Mrs. William H. Marlatt Fund, 1961.89.

Key actions

·      Anti-aging

·      Anti-oxidant

·      Immuno-modulatory

·      Neuro-protection

·      Anti-tumor

Extraction

Extraction was guided based on the tek written out by the author JD found in the library section of this website, and on the work of Chunliang Xie and Wang J published in the International Journal of Medicinal Mushrooms (17)(18).

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Astragalus membranaceus  - Huang Xi

Used for over two thousand years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (2) to support the natural immune responses of the body, it has also proven useful in modernity as an immune support for chemotherapy patients to recover from chemo treatment. Not only does it reduce the toxicity of the chemo treatment, but it enhances the effectiveness of it as well through inhibiting tumor cell growth as an anti-cancer medicine (1).

Astragalus is described as “uniform in chemical point-of-view” and has shown to work similar to certain medicinal mushrooms (not unlike Reishi) in that the majority of its medicinal activity comes from macro molecules known as polysaccharides that are present in its root cells of A. membranaceus. Polysaccharides have exceptional affect as an immunomodulator and immunopotentiator with a wide range of clinical applications (2). It does so by activating B-Cells (lymphocytes) and macrophages. Macrophage/Lymphocyte activation results in a wide array of polymorphous adaptable immune cells that have non-specific triggers and functions, providing an umbrella of immune protecting agents. Astragalus has also regularly been used in restoring the liver and speeding the recovery from hangovers (6).

Key Actions:

·      Hepatoprotective

·      Anti-oxidant

·      Immuno-stimulant

·      Anti-viral

·      Hypotensive

Extraction

Medicinal extraction was guided based on the work Herbal Constituents Foundations in Phytopharmacology as well as the work of Zhang, Bi- Qi (7) using 45% ABV and mineralized with corresponding salts. A crude extraction in 45% ABV was also created as a mother tincture. See your bottle to know which quality spagyric you have.

Echinacea - Purple Cone Flower

Overview

Purple Cone Flower extracts has been shown to enhance the natural killer cell response thus stimulating natural immune-modulatory activity (5) (9) and it has been used extensively in tradition for the common cold, coughs, upper respiratory infections and as a general immune-stimulant (8).  Echinacea also modulates the production of immunoglobulin (biologically upstream to neutrophils) (10) promoting the number of white blood cells and their strength of action. Its key uses in eastern and western cultures proving its innate immune supporting functions fulfill yet another fragment of our recipe for Innate Immortal Immunity.

Key Actions:

·      Immune-modulator

·      Anti-microbial

·      Detoxifying

·      Anti-inflammatory

Extraction

Spagyric extraction was guided by Foundations in Phyto Chemistry by Lisa Ganora and the work put forth by Mary Ann Liebert published in the Journal of Medicinal Food (13).

Sambucus nigra – Elderberry

Elderberry is a prolific plant medicine used to support the immune response. Its active components stimulate T-cells and has been clinically shown to reduce the duration and intensity of various strains of influenza infection (11). Primairly used to treat common symptoms related to cold, feverish conditions, coughing, nasal congestion, mucosal build up and to preventively strengthern the immune system (14)

Anthocyanins

Elderberry is RICH in anthocyanins. That is where the berries gets its dark purple colors from. Anthocyanins are a naturally occurring anti-oxidant whose bioactive properties have proven to be diversly therapeutic and promotional of innate homeostasis. They offer an array of nutrients and a host of medicinal actions including but not limited to:

Key Actions:

·      Immuno-stimulant

·      Anti-diabetic

·      Anti-cancer

·      Anti-inflammatory

·      Anti-microbial

·      Anti-obesity

·      Cardiovascular support

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(14) Mechanism of Action of bioactive compounds in Sambucus nigra on influenza A virus (14)

Toxicity and Warnings

Certain subspecies of A. membranaceus have been identified to have toxic compounds that have effects in animals after long periods of ingestion (6). Though this medicine was made with the most widely used medicinal species of Astragalus, being A. membranaceus  which presumably contains negligible amounts of these slightly toxic compounds. Similarly, we do not recommend relying on plant medicine for extended periods of time, see the “alchemical meditation” to see how to properly use spagyric plant medicines.

Elderberry has been known to contain some harmful compounds mostly present in the leaves and stem and least of all in the berry. This extract was made from berries however this should stil be noted so as to not excessively consume elderberry medicine (no medicine should be excessively consumed). Further, boiling in water for 5-10 minutes greatly reduced the potential adverse reactions (15)

Warning: Do not consume these plant medicines if you suffer from an autoimmune deficiency. If at all times you have any illness, consult with your medical professional before taking any supplements or nutraceuticals, including spagyric plant medicine.

**Possible “grounder” – to reduce the overstimulated nervous system. Esenbeckia leiocarpa, turmeric – curcumin, (DE-activating neutrophils).

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(Transcription of video)

Inspired by thousands of years of alchemical quests searching for the key to plant-based perfect physical health and immortality, Rasāyanas, as they are known in Indian alchemy, the Immortal Immunity spagyric plant medicine aims to restore the natural immune response, support compromised immune systems, enhance immune effectiveness, and rebuild the bodies innate ability to heal and defend itself from a wide range of dis~ease causing factors.

JDs Immortal Immunity package was created based on the scientific evidence for the chemical  effectiveness of plant medicine and on thousands of years of ancestral wisdom. Included in the Immortal Immunity is medicinal Astragalus membranaceus, Echinacea - Purple Cone Flower, Sambucus nigra – Elderberry, and Ganoderma lucidum – Reishi mushroom spagyric tinctures (more info in next section).

These sacred plant medicines are intended to be implemented on a semi regular basis and mindfully incorporated to your supplemental routine. Mindfully means that you use them proactively. You should regularly consume any or all of these spagyric medicines when you are seeking an extra layer of immunity, when you expect yourself to be surrounded by potentially immuno-compromising events and situations (before you get sick), or if you are attempting to recover from a position in which you have found your immune system under threat/attack.

These medicines were paired together for their functional overlaps based on the idea of synergy. Buckminister Fuller defined synergy as: either the concept of whole system behaviors not predicted by the behaviors of its parts, or as another term for negative entropy — negentropy.

Negentropy was a word invented by Erwin Schrödinger that quantitively defines the total overall biochemical tendency of a system to move towards order, stability, chemical equilibrium, and ultimately evolution. In other words... reducing entropy contributes towards health and vitality.

Reducing biochemical entropy (achieving more negentropy) through synergetic plant medicines and mindful practices allows the body to find the easiest path towards the optimal state of natural immunity and homeostasis. Using various plants that serve the same purpose but function slightly differently is necessary to achieve the desired affect. There is no one thing to cure-all, nor is there one thing to achieve perfect health. The body thrives on nutritional and dietary diversity. These same principles apply towards plant medicines, and many other facets of life.

For me, JD, attaining natural immunity is one of the critical steps on the path of spiritual attainment. As within, so without. Your inner world, including your state of health, is a reflection of the outer world. Thus, limiting the physical body with disease, deficiencies, dirt and damage, limits the non-physical body equally. Further, the untapped reservoir of traditional healing and longevity enhancing medicines within the alchemical vein was always the go to modus operandi for initiates to begin walking the path to adepthood and ultimately into fully realized physical and spiritual immortality/jivanmukta. The connection between physical health and spiritual health has always been evident and identified, but somehow tragically overlooked in mainstream medicine and spiritual systems.

The fact of the matter is, your spiritual self is already in a state of immortality. Our medicine only intends to tap into that fundamental aspect of your Self, to enhance, regulate and help express those apparent functions within your body at an attempt to make the inner, like the outer. In other words, manifest your spiritual immortality further into the physical realm.

It is scientifically, holistically and evidentially theorized that a diverse application of synergetic medicines can work together to achieve this goal. Through plant diversity and regular practice, both mindfully and plant medicinally, can we achieve this goal. Though even in times of desperation, in fact, especially in times of physical or mental desperation, we must remember the age old alchemical prose of the one true internal medicine, enlightenment to unity.

“All people on their own have
The Medicine of long life;
It is only for Insanity and delusion
that they cast it away to no avail.

When the Sweet Dew descends
Heaven and Earth join one another;
where the Yellow Sprout grows,
Kan and Li conjoin.

A frog in a well would say
That there are no dragon lairs,
And how could a quail (chicken) on a fence know,
that phoenix (eagles) nests exist?

When the Elixir ripens, spontaneously
Gold fills the room:
What is the point of seeking herbs
and learning how to roast the reeds?”

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Sources

(1) Duan P, Wang ZM. [Clinical study on effect of Astragalus in efficacy enhancing and toxicity reducing of chemotherapy in patients of malignant tumor]. Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi Jiehe Zazhi = Chinese Journal of Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine. 2002 Jul;22(7):515-517. PMID: 12592686.

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(4) https://primaryimmune.org/immune-system-and-primary-immunodeficiency

(5) See, D. M., et al. “In Vitro Effects of Echinacea and Ginseng on Natural Killer and Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity in Healthy Subjects and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Patients”. Immunopharmacology 1997, 35:229-235.

(6) Deniz Dilan Setel, Merve Beker, Sule Terzioglu-Usak, Birsen Elibol, Astragalus membranaceus treatment combined with caloric restriction may enhance genesis factors and decrease apoptosis in the hippocampus of rats, Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics, 10.1016/j.archger.2021.104584, 99, (104584), (2022).

(7) https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1934578X20924152

(8) Goel, V., Lovlin, R., Chang, C., Slama, J. V., Barton, R., Gahler, R., Bauer, R., Goonewardene, L., & Basu, T. K. (2005). A proprietary extract from the echinacea plant (Echinacea purpurea) enhances systemic immune response during a common cold. Phytotherapy research : PTR, 19(8), 689–694. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1733

(9) Gan, X. H., Zhang, L., Heber, D., & Bonavida, B. (2003). Mechanism of activation of human peripheral blood NK cells at the single cell level by Echinacea water soluble extracts: recruitment of lymphocyte-target conjugates and killer cells and activation of programming for lysis. International immunopharmacology, 3(6), 811–824. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1567-5769(02)00298-9

(10) Yamada, K., Hung, P., Park, T. K., Park, P. J., & Lim, B. O. (2011). A comparison of the immunostimulatory effects of the medicinal herbs Echinacea, Ashwagandha and Brahmi. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 137(1), 231–235. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.05.017

(11) Catherine Ulbricht, Ethan Basch, Lisa Cheung, Harley Goldberg, Paul Hammerness, Richard Isaac, Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa, Aviva Romm, Idalia Rychlik, Minney Varghese, Wendy Weissner, Regina C. Windsor & Jayme Wortley (2014) An Evidence-Based Systematic Review of Elderberry and Elderflower (Sambucus nigra) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration, Journal of Dietary Supplements, 11:1, 80-120,DOI: 10.3109/19390211.2013.859852

(12) Purp Cone Flower metabolite production enhanced by VAM https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf803173x

(13) PURP CONE FLOWER TINCTURE OR TEA? Senica, Mateja; Mlinsek, Gregor; Veberic, Robert; Mikulic-Petkovsek, Maja (2018). Which Plant Part of Purple Coneflower ( <i>Echinacea purpurea</i> (L.) Moench) Should be Used for Tea and Which for Tincture?. Journal of Medicinal Food, (), jmf.2018.0026–. doi:10.1089/jmf.2018.0026

(14) Młynarczyk K, Walkowiak-Tomczak D, Łysiak GP. Bioactive properties of Sambucus nigra L. as a functional ingredient for food and pharmaceutical industry. J Funct Foods. 2018;40:377-390. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2017.11.025

(15)

Zhi-Bin Lin, Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Immuno-modulation by Ganoderma lucidum, Journal of Pharmacological Sciences, Volume 99, Issue 2, 2005, Pages 144-153, ISSN 1347-8613, https://doi.org/10.1254/jphs.crj05008x.

(16) Wachtel-Galor S, Yuen J, Buswell JA, et al. Ganoderma lucidum (Lingzhi or Reishi): A Medicinal Mushroom. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92757/

(17) Comparative Study on Bioactivities from Lingzhi or Reishi Medicinal Mushroom, Ganoderma lucidum (Agaricomycetes), Gives an Insight into the Fermentation Broth Showing Greater Antioxidative Activities

Volume 22, Issue 7, 2020, pp. 627-639

DOI: 10.1615/IntJMedMushrooms.2020035042