A car is assembled from parts. When your car breaks down, it is often one part that stopped working. If you replace that component, it works again.

Our bodies, however, are different. We grow from a single zygote. We are not assembled from parts but develop from a single cell into many systems and organs.

One of the remarkable benefits of adding the wisdom of Tibetan Medicine and other ancient holistic practices into our western medical knowledge is that we reunite with the understanding that the body is not separate parts but an intricate and interwoven system.

At Jampha, we met an expert in Tibetan medicine, Amchi, who has 40 years of experience in Tibetan Medicine and has travelled the world seeking the highest vibrational plant medicine. He created a special 10:1 formula of apoptogenic herbs for today’s world.

It is designed to nurture and detoxify the white blood cells to help people fight off the COVD virus, dispel any lingering effects of the virus, and recover from any unwanted side effects caused by vaccines.

Adaptogens: Roots and Herbs for Immune System Support

Adaptogens are non-toxic plants known to help the body resist all kinds of chemical and biological stressors. They are herbs and roots that have been used for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine.

In this article, we explore the ingredients in Amchi’s 10:1 adaptogenic herbal formula. We look at each herb and root to examine the research on how they work.

Imbalance and Disharmony in Traditional Chinese Medicine

To understand how this formula works, we have to take a quick look at how TCM sees the human body. No system of medicine is superior to the others, but they are most effective when working together.

Western medicine looks at symptoms and causes. If you have chronic fatigue, your doctor might ask about your sleep patterns or take some tests. They may send you to a specialist, but in western medicine, the cause of chronic fatigue is unknown.

TCM takes a different approach to the same symptom. A practitioner knows that when all organs and systems function optimally, and there is no build-up of toxins in the body, it is in harmony. If someone is experiencing chronic fatigue, a practitioner will look for signs of disharmony or imbalance.

The TCM doctor will ask extensive questions about sleep patterns, urine, feces, diet, and other lifestyle factors. They will examine your tongue, eyes, and other visible body parts, and they will listen carefully to the quality of your pulse.

Signs of imbalance may show up as too much “dampness,” “heat,” or “wind,” which lead to patterns like “Liver Fire” or “Spleen Qi Deficiency.” The TCM practitioner will aim to restore balance and harmony in the body by addressing the imbalance.

Two Steps to Restore and Promote Health After Illness

According to TCH, when we are sick, our body uses its vital Qi to fight off the virus or infection. There are two steps to restoring total health after an illness:

1. Replenish the vital Qi
2. Expel lingering toxins

In TCM, these lingering toxins are known as “Concealed Evil Qi.” In Tibetan medicine, they are called “Hidden Fevers.” They are low-level infections that threaten the balance of the body because, while they may be dormant, they can become virulent under the right conditions. 

Fight Fatigue and Balance the Body

In TCM terms, Amchi’s 10:1 water-soluble formula is designed to:

• Strengthen the spleen, lungs, and immune system
• Stabilize the exterior (our natural defenses between the muscles and the skin)
• Dispel wind (adverse climates in the body that predisposes someone towards illness)
• Resolve damp environments where toxins would flourish
• Dispel toxic heat (toxins) from the organs and blood

The adaptogenic ingredients include:

• Andrographis
• Astragalus membranaceus root
• Atractylodes lancea rhizome
• Atractylodes macrocephala rhizome (stir-fried)
• Coix lacryma-jobi seed
• Coptis chinensis rhizome
• Dryopteris crassirhizoma rhizome
• Forsythia suspensa fruit
• Glehnia littoralis root
• Glycyrrhiza uralensis root
• Houttuynia cordata herb
• Platycodon grandiflorum root
• Pogostemon cablin herb
• Poria cocos sclerotium
• Saposhnikovia divaricata root
• Scutellaria baicalensis root

Let’s take a deeper look at each one.

Adaptogens in the 10:1 Extract Formula

Here are the 16 roots and herbs in the formula designed to fight fatigue, expel toxins, and strengthen the immune system. They are in alphabetical order and not according to the dosage in the extract.

1. Andrographis

Andrographis is one of the most popular medicinal plants globally. Traditional healers in Asia, America, and Africa have been using it for centuries. It goes by many names. In England, it is called the King of Bitters.

Historically, Andrographis has treated various diseases such as cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, ulcer, leprosy, bronchitis, skin diseases, flatulence, colic, influenza, dysentery, dyspepsia, and malaria.

A review of studies on the herb confirmed that it has the following healing properties:

• Antimicrobial (kills microorganisms)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Antidiabetic (stabilizes blood glucose)
• Immune modulatory
• Sex hormone modulatory
• Liver enzyme modulatory
• Anti-malaria
• Anti-angiogenic (stops tumors from growing their own blood vessels)
• Hepato-renal protective activity (protects against toxicity)

Andrographis is can also help fight upper respiratory infections, colds, and the flu.

2. Astragalus Membranaceus Root

Astragalus is relatively well-known in the west. One look at its long list of benefits, and it’s easy to see why.

Astragalus enhances lung activity, supports the gastrointestinal tract, stimulates wound restoration, and relieves fatigue.

It also benefits your heart. It lowers blood pressure by increasing the width of blood vessels. Patients with clinical heart failure who were given astragalus in addition to conventional treatment fared better than patients with only the regular treatment.

In China, Astragalus is the most prescribed diabetes treatment. Studies confirm it improves sugar metabolism, reduces blood sugar levels, and even assists with weight loss.

Combined with other herbs, astragalus relieves the symptoms of chronic fatigue.

It has been shown to kill cancer cells.

Recently astragalus has garnered attention for its anti-aging effects. A 2017 study found that astragalus was associated with a significant age-reversal effect in the immune system. The study also noted its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoregulatory effects.

3. Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome

In China and Japan, the root of atractylodes lancea is used to relieve weight loss due to cancer, stomachache, fluid retention, bloating, indigestion, diarrhea, loss of appetite, allergies to dust mites, and joint pain (rheumatism).

Recent research has isolated 200 chemical compounds in atractylodes lancea and confirms its traditional use to support digestion.

Continued research is investigating atractylodes lancea’s potential for anti-cancer, anti-obesity, and anti-inflammatory treatments.

4. Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Stir-Fried)

Atractylodes macrocephala is used in TCM to eliminate dampness and phlegm.

Research has found it to produce both anti-viral and anti-cancer effects.

Stir-frying atractylodes macrocephala increases its ability to dry dampness and makes it more effective for relieving stomach distension or diarrhea.

5. Coix Lacryma-Jobi Seed

Coix lacryma-jobi seeds are commonly called “Job’s tears” because they are tear-shaped. The seeds come in various colors, including brown, blue/purple, grey, and yellow, and are sometimes used in jewelry. Both the seeds and the root have been used in medicine for over 2000 years.

Traditionally a tea or oil made from the seeds is used to fight abdominal and lung cancers and eliminate warts.

Modern research has found the seed extract can combat lung cancer cells.

6. Coptis Chinensis Rhizome

One of the extracts in coptis chinensis, a flowering plant also called goldthread, is cancer-fighting and neuroprotective.

Additional studies found the herb to reduce pain. Research also confirmed its antibacterial, antivirus, antifungal, antidiabetic, and cardioprotective effects.

7. Dryopteris Crassirhizoma Rhizome

Studies have found the rhizomes in dryopteris crassirhizoma to exhibit both anti-viral and immunomodulatory activities.

An immunomodulatory substance stimulates or suppresses the immune system according to what is needed for balance. It helps the body fight cancer, infection, or other diseases.

8. Forsythia Suspensa Fruit

Forsythia suspensa, also known as golden-bell, has small bright yellow blooms. Its fruit is one of the 50 fundamental plants used in TCM.

Both the green and ripe fruits have bacteria-fighting and antioxidant properties, while the green fruit has much stronger cancer-fighting abilities.

9. Glehnia Littoralis Root

Medical uses of glehnia littoralis have been recorded in China, Japan, and Korea for thousands of years. Traditionally, it’s been used to treat fatigue, weakness, cough, dry throat, and thirst.

Pre-clinical studies show the glehnia littoralis root can reduce pain and increase sleep time.

A 2019 research review confirmed the root contains the following properties:

• Immunoregulatory
• Anti-tumor
• Anti-inflammatory
• Liver protective
• Antioxidant
• Neuroprotective
• Antibacterial
• Antifungal

10. Glycyrrhiza Uralensis Root

Glycyrrhiza uralensis is known as Chinese licorice, and it has a naturally sweet flavor. A medical-grade plant is used for treatments.

For centuries in TCM, glycyrrhiza uralensis has been prescribed to:

• Improve spleen function and blood circulation
• Reduce allergic-inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and liver disorders
• Reduce coughing
• Assist the effectiveness of some other medications

Few studies have been done on this root. Research has found it fights breast cancer cells in the laboratory. When used as a topical, it may help relieve eczema symptoms.

11. Houttuynia Cordata Herb

Houttuynia cordata herb goes by many names, including chameleon plant, fish mint, fish leaf, rainbow plant, heartleaf, fish wort, or Chinese lizard tail. Its green leaves, considered to have a ‘fishy’ flavor, are used as garnish, spice, and medicine.

A 2014 pre-clinical study found the chameleon plant to:

• Reduce bodyweight and abdominal fat
• Lower insulin resistance and liver lipids
• Enhance liver function

Other research confirms it has a proven anti-inflammatory effect and is useful in combating severe acute respiratory syndrome.

A more comprehensive research review found that houttuynia cordata may have all of the following medical applications:

• Anti-mutagenic (counteracts the effects of cancer-causing mutagens like radioactive substances, x-rays, ultraviolet radiation, and certain chemicals)
• Anti-cancer
• Anti-obesity
• Protective of the liver
• Anti-viral
• Antibacterial and antimicrobial (kills microorganisms)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Free radical scavenging (antioxidant)
• Reduces allergies
• Anti-leukemic (counteracts the effects of leukemia)
• Fight chronic sinusitis and nasal polyps

12. Platycodon Grandiflorum Root

The thick roots of platycodon grandiflorum are used in TCM to expel pus, rid phlegm, and disseminate Lung Qi.

Research confirms it has the following properties:

• Antioxidant and anti-cancer
• Anti-allergy, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, insulin-regulating, expectorant, and immune-boosting

13. Pogostemon Cablin Herb

Pogostemon cablin is the scientific name for patchouli. It’s used in traditional medicine to treat colds, headaches, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, insect and snake bites.

Modern studies have revealed multiple biological activities. Handled through the correct process and at the proper doses, patchouli works as an:

• Antioxidant
• Analgesic (pain reliever)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antiplatelet (stops blood from clotting)
• Antithrombotic (reduces the formation of blood clots)
• Antidepressant
• Antimutagenic
• Antiemetic (reduces nausea and vomiting)
• Fibrinolytic (help break down blood clots that have formed)

14. Poria Cocos Sclerotium

Poria cocos is a fungus that grows on several pine species. The sclerotius is the hard, dark ‘resting body’ of the fungus composed of a mass of long, branching threads.

In traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine, Poria cocos is prescribed for its diuretic, sedative, and tonic effects (producing better muscle tone).

Modern research has discovered that the sclerotium of poria cocos can enhance immune stimulators while suppressing immune suppressors. This potentiates the immune response. Researchers also noted anti-tumor activity against different kinds of cancer cells.

These remarkable fibers also demonstrate the ability to protect DNA from damage.

15. Saposhnikovia Divaricata Root

Saposhnikovia divaricata root is a perennial herb of the carrot family. In TCM, it’s commonly known as Fang Feng.

Pre-clinical research confirmed a strong capacity to stop tumor growth for several types of human tumor cells, as well as robust antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Studies also show saposhnikovia divaricata root can reduce pain and help balance and regulate immune function.

16. Scutellaria Baicalensis Root

Scutellaria baicalensis root comes from a plant with small lavender blooms commonly called Chinese skullcap.

It is used in TCM to treat hepatitis, reduce infections, and fight cancer.

Research confirms it works both as a topical and internal anti-inflammatory, making it suitable for skin conditions as well as general inflammation.

Additional studies found it has the following properties:

• Antioxidant
• Antithrombic (reducing the formation of blood clots)
• Neuroprotective

Combining Medical Traditions Supports Vibrant Health

Japan is an excellent example of how the merging of western and traditional medicine can help people thrive. They very effectively combine advanced western medicine with traditional practices (many of which came from China). The average person’s lifespan is four to six years longer than in China or the United States.

Each type of medicine has its wisdom and benefits. The two combined are the best of both worlds.

Amchi’s 10:1 herbal formula is backed by centuries of tradition as well as modern scientific research. Our summary of the herbs used in this special formula barely scratches the surface of what they are and offer. Even so, you can see the remarkable properties of these carefully chosen plants.

Bolstering our immune systems and dispelling harmful toxins is always a good idea. At this time, it is almost a necessity.

At Jampha, we incorporate Amchi’s formula into Turquoise Dragon. His plant medicine combined with the systemic balancing effects of CBD and plant terpenes is just what our bodies need. It’s also available without CBD.