Immunity Theory, The Immune System and Allergies

Think simple if you want to understand the concept of immunity, immunity theory and the immune system!

From the Natural Point of View, the Digestive System cannot be separated from the Immune System. They work together to produce what we call immunity. This symbiotic relationship leads to a clearer understanding of how to strengthen the immune system to prevent or remove allergies of any type, colds or similar occurances. Popular, so called Immunity boosters are little more than marketing ploys that ignore the fundamentals of immunity and health from any point of view.

Immunity and the immune system are often talked about without actually getting to the simple core of the subject. Often a vague non-explanation is presented with some reference to various organisms that the average person cannot see let alone examine for themselves. Or, very technical discussions are made about antibodies and similar immunity related organisms that discuss what these organisms do but, without really explaining what theses organism essentially are. This is critical because this answers how immunity is to be established and subsequently maintained. This is not a very hard thing to do and often does not require perpetual supplementation - just some simple common sense.

A normal person does not need formal training in microbiology to understand the principles of immunity. They are fundamentally simple and easy to relate to. A simple explanation from the natural point of view often makes the complicated simple, easy to relate to and work with.

The Basis of Immunity

The condition of the blood is at the core of the immune system and immunity. What maintains that condition is also what maintains immunity. That condition is maintained through a healthy and strong digestive system. Period!

The blood is composed of many substances; some are base ingredients like iron that create its physical composition and help the blood to function as blood; some, like oxygen are variable depending on the condition of the blood; some are living organisms; and some like the various "life energies" are completely intangible. All of the substances that make up the blood except for the life energies are produced by the body through the activity of its organs. Even though the discussion of immunity often centers around white blood cells, Macrophages, T-cells and so on, all ingredients are essential and have a symbiotic relationship with one another. and all are directly or indirectly responsible to protect us from the intrusion of foreign substances or even dangerous organisms that could be injurious to our bodies.

That said, our bodies are environments unto themselves that support all manner of bacteria that are essential to our life. It is important to consider that bacteria and viruses need an environment to live and thrive in. They are naturally confined to an environment that is friendly to them. This applies to bacertia in, as well as outside of our bodies. Unique bacteria within our body is confined to various parts of the body that is sympathetic to that particular bacteria. Bacteria in the bowel is meant to stay within that environment the same as bacteria in the Uninary Bladder is meant to confine itself to that area only. Should our internal bacteria find its way into areas that are not meant for it to be, we get sick. It is from that environment that they feed themselves from. If they are denied that environment they have no detrimental effect.

Bacteria and viruses have existed on Earth practically for as long as life has been on the planet. The fact that they have not killed everything living says that in themselves they are not problematic. All living things need something to eat that the environment they live in provides. That is the extent or the range of that particular organism. It is when we create an environment within our bodies that can support a particular bacteria or viruses that they become health hazzard or even life threatening. When they are able to thrive within us, it is the environment that supports them that is at fault not the bacteria or virus that are the cause.

It is the function of our digestion in all it's many aspects to keep our internal environment clean and sound so that anything outside of our body will not find living within us favorable.

Many people may have heard of:

These well known living organisms definitely do their work to protect us and are part of the blood by design. No one has to put them there. They are irreplaceable but, as living, mobile organisms, they need to live of something. Specific organs in the body make them and maintain them by providing their specific nourishment (food). Any remedy for the immune system must be capable of balancing the blood by providing food for these organisms through proper blood composition.

The immune system is not an organ. There is no specific organ called the "immune organ." The immune system is a collaborative effort by the entire body to maintain the blood in a "clean" state; the result is immunity -that is to say; an ability by the body to protect itself from foreign invasion by organisms or substances that might compromise it.

The aforementioned organisms are the mobile army within the blood that forming the immune system but, they are just one component of what comprises the immune system! Clearly, they do not and cannot function in isolation. They come into being and are "maintained" organisms within a closed system.

Supposedly, there are substances, some natural and some not, that are marketed to enhance the immune system. This is interesting because from the point on view of pure Herbalism no such substances really exist per se. At least not according to how they are being marketed.

Clean Blood, General Health and the Immune System

A fundamental axiom of maintaining or restoring health in Traditional Herbal Theory has to do with keeping the blood and bloodstream "clean" of non-assimilable substances. In recognition of this, what does exist in Herbal Theory are natural substances that clean and/or fortify the blood. These are the general categories of natural herbal products that are most often used as immune enhancers. It is amazing how these substances and their very simple mode of action are misunderstood. Even though these substances "clean" the blood they do not actually clean the blood itself directly like a detergent. They clean the blood indirectly through the action of the other organs whose function it is to metabolize waste in the blood. Substances that would indiscriminately remove things from the blood itself chemically, without going through the other organs could rightfully be called poisons as their by-product is a toxin in a form that the organs often cannot work with but are nonetheless forced to deal with.

It must be understood that the blood is produced and maintained by the other main organs altogether. The blood carry's solids, liquids and gases and "energies" within it. It is a complex compound that will never and cannot ever be reproduced artificially. It is the other larger organs and their functions that determine the blood's composition, not the blood itself. The blood is subject to the proper functioning and harmony of the main organs and therefore any effective natural substance must work on the main organ functions to safely affect the blood and ultimately clean it without altering its chemistry detrimentally while balancing it. The organs that build and clean the blood are the Kidneys, Liver, Spleen, Bowels, etc. . . and also the heart itself.

Echinacea in context

Having said this, the very popular theory that Echinacea and other substances like it are anti-viral is flawed in spite of the fact that they might appear so in laboratory tests.[1] It should be mentioned that in-vitro experiments showing that specific bacteria are killed from exposure to certain herbal or other preparations are not entirely logical for various reasons. First of all, the environment within the body is completely different than a petrie dish environment in a laboratory setting. Secondly, when Echinacea is taken internally, typically it does not have direct contact with the specific pathogen because the body will digest the remedy before it will allow it into the blood. By placing an Echinacea tincture, for instance in direct contact in a petrie dish with a specific pathogen its surrounding environment is being changed. What might be concluded from this type of experiment is that a specific organism cannot tolerate the environment produced by a specific substance, which in the case of Echinacea has to do with heat or oxidization.The bacteria or virus may not necessarily be dying because it is being poisoned but, because it is being robbed of the environment it needs to survive in a petrie dish. However, in the body a tincture of echinacea will never directly contact the pathogen. The circumstances in the petrie dish and within the body are totally different and therefore offer a poor comparison.

Furthermore, what the body does with the particular herbal preparation is overlooked and not generally understood. What is understood is the effect it may have after the fact through an ultimate effect but, what the body is doing with it and how the body is doing it; this is a nebulous area to most. To restate this in different words; there is no way to artificially digest anything outside of the body and thereby scientifically predict what it will do inside the body beforehand without a prior knowledge of the nature of the substance at hand. Most scientific effects are based on observations after the fact through trial and error. This is why so many pharma medicines are discovered after they produce their reaction through trial and error or by accident. But, in this philosophical system the immediate effect is given more importance than its ultimate effect which at times can be generally detrimental. In the art of Herbalism however, the effects must be known ahead of time and this has been proven by the many very old herbal texts that give an exact explanations as to the proper application and effect of a herbal preparation. Anyone who has worked with herbs is capable of altering any herbal formula to produce a predictable ultimate effect without experimentation. This has been done predictably and successfully for thousands of years - trial and error are not part of the process.

The Stomach, Spleen and Immunity

In Herbology jargon, what Echinacea and other herbs like it do is increase what is referred to as the "degree of heat" of the Spleen, the Spleen being the first stage of blood production and maintenance and the source of several of the immune organisms like white blood cells etc. This affect on the spleen affects the blood positively - end result - you get relief without a side effect.[2] That these causes and effects can be produced is elementary. But, there are also times when Echinacea, for example, will not be effective. This happens because Echinacea is being used based on modern medical conventions and presumptions ignoring the cause of the problem rather than herbal theory. Another common presumption is the idea that if a good natural product is very beneficial when needed, then, if taken on an ongoing basis it will produce even more benefit. This too is based on a flawed logic. Very few substances are like this. What is lacking here is an understanding of the natural underlying principle of action that actually strengthens “immunity.”

Good Food, Good Digestion Creating the Ability to Feed Your Whole Body equals a Strong Immune System

The fundamental principle that is being overlooked is that our body and everything in all it’s parts and organisms are alive and could not exist unless every part and organism is being properly fed and metabolizing its specific food. This is a natural Law; Nothing can exist or do any work without the energy to do it with. In living organisms this energy comes in the form of a food specific to that organism. There can be no substitute.

What is overlooked is that the organisms that do the work of immunity must also be fed themselves in order that they may do their work. In the outer world of nature you could not expect a work animal to do its work if it were not fed. Even if you use a tractor on a farm to do the work do not expect it to do any work without its fuel.

These many named and unnamed components, ingredients and organisms in the blood stream that we attribute to the "immune system" must be fed in order to be healthy and have energy themselves before they can protect you. When we eat we not only replenish our body and its blood, we are also feeding our entire body inclusive of these billions of organisms. If we are not fed properly, the whole body inclusive of these organisms suffer. We eventually get weaker and more subject to ailments. This is obvious and does not need to be explained further.

In some cases, even though we are eating, our system may be specifically compromised in that it is unable to properly distribute nourishment to all parts and organisms of the body.

The people of Northern Europe traditionally strengthened their immune system by eating Red Beets. Their color tells you exactly what they are for. They are for your blood and support its proper composition and vitality. By eating judiciously and aiding your digestion you will also strengthen your immune system.

This leads to the conclusion that if your digestive system is kept in good functioning order, digesting and eliminating its waste, your immunity will be maintained and be kept strong through the proper food and clean air. This can be said because the digestive system is what actually converts foods and air into blood with which to feed the body. But, before the blood can feed the body it must, so to speak, "feed itself" first by organizing its composition in the proper proportions through the effect of the other organs. The organisms in the blood are created for the blood and living in the blood and must be fed by the blood. Immune system support would therefore consist of improving digestion to ensure proper blood composition.

What the body does not eliminate through proper digestion and elimination often is left to circulate in the bloodstream displacing other essential components or it can precipitate out of solution to produce other problems.

Conclusion: Your digestive system is your immune system. What ever impedes it produces what have come to be known as allergies. What ever might be causing a Cold or similar problem is best removed through enhanced digestion.

There is no Substitute for a Healthy Attitude

There is also a mental/emotional factor to the immune system. There are people who, by just watching an episode of some medical drama where a set of symptoms are being described, create the ailment within them or imagine that they have it. This is kind of like placebo effect in reverse - They are assuming the suggestion.

A good healthy attitude is not to be overlooked in all matters of life - including physical health.

The Mystical Side of Blood

Red Beet Crystals Flora Inc 7 oz Granule

The health of the blood and the ability of the body to keep it healthy is essential for good health, resistance against ailments and immunity. Few foods do this as efficiently as red beets.

There is a further component that is far more esoteric in the matter of immunity theory that has to do with the very nature of blood itself, completely apart from its chemistry. Spiritual texts speak of it. In the West the Bible states in two areas about the nature of blood.

"But flesh with the life thereof, which is the blood thereof, shall ye not eat." Gen 9:4

and,

"For it is the life of all flesh: the blood of it is for the life thereof" Lev 17:14

The concept being presented here is that the life of all creatures is dependent upon its blood and it's life is its blood to a degree that exceeds its physical makeup and to include an added intangible essence.

The blood of any animal has always been regarded as something special, as something apart from the coarseness of the organs and body of the animal. The Alchemists regarded it as the Quintessence within the body that kept the body alive; it was what gave life itself to the body. They also wisely ascribed and classified the various organs and functions of the body to the activity of either the Fire, Water, Air or Earth Elements. The blood however was ascribed to the the Akasha - the Fifth Element, thus the name "Quintessence." This Fifth Essence is also known as the "God" Principle. That is why all living things depend on their blood for life. Clearly this particular point cannot be quantified scientifically. Nor does it appear that it will be now or at any time in the future. It is something that a sensitive person knows and understands in their heart.

Your body is self-sustaining and, it is your digestive system by the Will of God that sustains it. Your digestive system is responsible for the physical part of your blood and therefore the primary maintenance system of your immune system. Through it your blood is maintained as it gives you life. Immune system support has to do with the health of the blood.

This is being mentioned here, even though these latter concepts may not and cannot be regarded as materially scientific, among the more sensitive, it is recognized that there is a point to where the physical must yield and admit its inherent limitation and acknowledge that there is a much finer degree of existence having its own corresponding knowledge, science and source. To this the material science meets its limitation by its inability to quantify what is unquantifiable because it enters into a separate dimension.

Love and Hate as factors in Immunity Theory in General

Positive states of mind are a non-quantifiable ingredient not only in life but, also directly in health. To put it simply, all states of mind that are positive are associated with some aspect of love while all negative states of mind are associated with hate. The effects of these states of mind manifest inwardly as thoughts which intern create outwardly the reality of ones life. This unquantifiable energy is carried within our organism by manipulating the "life energies" of the blood itself and their consequence upon all organs. Through the blood's life energy "love" and its various positive attributes can and does actually heal. Not only can it do this within our own organism but, if the love is strong enough, it can be projected into others to heal or comfort them as well. The exact opposite is also true.

Synopsis

Immunity can universally be ascribed to the digestive function on multiple levels: mentally, emotionally and physically.

• Exposed to all manner of information the ability to mentally digest (think clearly) creates a mental immunity from false information that would otherwise contaminate our thinking process and conceptual clarity.
• Exposed to all manner of emotional situations, the ability to digest (feel) through them with a sound emotional compass creates immunity against immorality.
• And, exposed to all manner of foods, a strong digestive system will separate the actual food substance from the toxin, which is in even the best of foods, to protect against all manner of physical ailments.

All three; the mental, emotional and physical aspects of digestion work together, one helping the other create either a healthy sanctified whole or sickly disharmony. In this context digestion is nothing more than the ability to separate the truth from falsehood, the good from the bad, the toxin from the actual food. Universally, after the separation has been made through digestion, the negative is discarded and your being is, from the retention of what is good, made strong, resilient and whole - completely human.
 

[1] A sterile dish in a laboratory is a good environment to establish a narrow proposition through experiment as it is not necessarily a reflection of an absolute reality. Life does not exist in a sterile environment or in isolation from all other life. What is sometimes observable in a lab might reflect what a substance might be doing but, what remains illusive is how it may be doing it. A living organism must digest a substance in order to safely release what it contains in order to produce its effect.(example: Cayenne is generally regarded as hot. The question is, where is the heat coming from. The first response will be, "the capsaicin of course!" The reality is that the presumed active ingredient "capsaicin" has no heat of its own, if it did it's heat would transfer to whatever vessel it was contained in and could be felt by touching the container - a glass jar for instance. Instead, heat is its effect upon a living organism through its digestion which it must draw out of or at least concentrate from a living organism's own heat substance that it comes in contact with, rather than transferring its heat into that organism. The heat felt from cayenne is your own heat manifesting provoked by the cayenne - not the cayenne's heat.) Note: what is often non-digestible may often also be a poison.
[2] Heat is the ultimate cleaner and separator of waste in the body. It is analogous to but, not to be confused with caloric heat.