UPGRADE YOUR IMMUNITY

The human immune system is a complex balancing act. When we have an infection or disease to fight, our immune system “upregulates,” or becomes stronger, to fight the infection and bring us back into balance. Too much immune activity, however, can lead to an overactive immune system—which is the case in autoimmune conditions. Cannabis and medicinal mushrooms have both been shown to have immunomodulating effects, meaning they help keep the immune system in balance—stimulating it when there’s something to fight (such as cancer) and downregulating it when it’s overactive (in the case of autoimmune conditions). Mushrooms, in particular, have immune-supporting properties across the board. Of course, cannabis and mushrooms may not be right for your particular condition—so when dealing with a serious illness or diagnosis, work with your doctor to figure out the right treatment plan for you.

CANNABIS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Our endocannabinoid system plays a major role in keeping our immune system in balance. We have cannabinoid receptors located throughout the immune system (both CB1 and CB2, with CB2 being more abundant), which help to regulate inflammation (our body’s natural response to injury or infection). Our immune system controls everything from fighting off the common cold to warding off serious disease.

According to a 2009 study published in Pharmacological Research, our endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-AG) are potent immunomodulators and play a role in regulating many different kinds of immune cells—including T cells, B cells, lymphocytes, macrophages, and natural killer cells (which are responsible for defending against cancer). Anandamide and 2-AG have both been shown to slow tumor growth and induce apoptosis (or cell death) of cancer cells. This same study suggests that delaying the breakdown of our natural endocannabinoids (which CBD does) could be a novel therapeutic treatment against inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.

Therefore, making sure our endocannabinoid system is properly nourished—by adding in phytocannabinoids from cannabis to support it—can play a key role in keeping our immune system strong, preventing disease, and staying healthy.

How to use cannabis for immune support:

• Take a full-spectrum CBD-rich tincture. Because the immune system is such a delicate balance, and research is still being done on the immunomodulating effects of cannabis, it may be helpful to take a full-spectrum CBD oil tincture as a daily tonic for the endocannabinoid system. A daily “tonic” means that something tonifies your system, bringing consistent balance, restoration, and daily support without being overly stimulating or sedating. A full-spectrum product gives you access to a wide range of phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant, each playing a role in supporting the endocannabinoid system and preventing the breakdown of our natural endocannabinoids. Think of this as a daily multivitamin to help keep you healthy and in harmony. I take a dropperful of a full-spectrum CBD tincture every night before I wind down for bed.

MUSHROOMS AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM

Helping to regulate the immune system is one of the greatest known superpowers of all medicinal mushrooms. Every medicinal mushroom covered in The Rebel’s Apothecary has been shown in studies to have potent immunomodulating effects, and mushrooms have been celebrated as immune enhancers throughout all of history.

As we learned in the mushroom section, all medicinal mushrooms contain powerful polysaccharides called beta-glucans, which have been found to help fight inflammation and balance the immune system.

“Beta glucans attach themselves to the receptor sites on the immune cells and activate them, allowing them to recognize cancer cells as ‘foreign’ and create a higher level of response,” says Robert Rogers in The Fungal Pharmacy.

It’s tough to pick one medicinal mushroom as the most powerful for immunity—they all have tremendous benefits to the immune system, so taking a medicinal mushroom blend is a powerful choice. Many mushroom supplement companies have “immunity” blends that include all seven of the mushrooms mentioned in this book.

And some say, as with the “entourage effect” seen in cannabis, taking multiple mushrooms together can be more effective than taking just one. Read more on mushrooms and immunity in the cancer section.

How to use medicinal mushrooms to support the immune system:

• Add a blend of medicinal mushrooms to your daily regimen. Chaga, reishi, turkey tail, shiitake, maitake, lion’s mane, and cordyceps have all been shown to have immune-balancing effects and antioxidants, which fight free radicals in the body. You can find blends in tincture or powder form to add to a daily smoothie or tea, and you can also find mushroom blends in capsules.

• If you’re coming down with a cold, take a chaga or reishi tincture (or drink chaga or reishi tea) every day. Chaga and reishi are both powerhouses for immunity, and their potent medicinal properties can ward off sickness and boost you back to vitality.

• Cook with medicinal mushrooms, especially shiitake and maitake. Lentinan, the active compound in shiitake mushrooms, has been widely studied for its immune system–enhancing effects. A compound in maitake mushrooms called D-fraction has been shown to support the immune system and fight cancer cells. To add an extra immune system boost to your daily life, add shiitake and maitake to your cooking wherever you’d normally use any culinary mushroom!

Other Rebel immunity tips:

• Turmeric. The active compound in turmeric root (curcumin) is one of the most potent anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting supplements out there. You can use the turmeric root powder in cooking, drink a turmeric tea, or take it as capsules. Add turmeric powder as a spice to soups, stews, eggs, veggies, or any savory dish.

• Garlic. Garlic is sometimes referred to as “nature’s antibiotic,” and it can play a role in keeping the immune system strong. Add garlic to your immune-boosting regimen by incorporating it generously into your cooking. You can even swallow a chopped-up clove of raw garlic whole if you’re coming down with something—warning, though—you will have garlic breath!

• Elderberry. Elderberry is one of the favorites for the immune system among herbalists. It’s high in antioxidants, can help fight colds and the flu, and can boost the immune system—and researchers have found that compounds from elderberries can strengthen the immune response to viruses. You can find elderberry syrup at most health-food stores or online, or even make your own at home.

• Raw honey. Raw honey, in addition to being a delicious way to sweeten your foods or beverages, has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. If you can find local raw honey, it can help combat seasonal allergies.

• Ginger. Ginger is known to be anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, and can soothe nausea and support healthy digestion. One of my favorite immune-support beverages is ginger tea with a touch of raw honey, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a small pinch of cayenne pepper.

• Sleep. Getting enough sleep is the ultimate foundation for a healthy immune system. During sleep, our body is detoxifying, repairing, healing, and restoring. Sleep deprivation has been shown to elevate stress levels and increase inflammation, so prioritize your rest to accelerate your body’s natural healing response.

Terpene Tip: Caryophyllene is the only terpene that also acts as a cannabinoid—and as there are cannabinoid receptors located throughout the immune system, cannabis varieties high in caryophyllene can help to modulate and balance immune system activity.

Rebel Ritual: Add a teaspoon of medicinal mushrooms and a dropperful of full-spectrum CBD oil to any smoothie for daily immune support.

SUPERFOOD OATMEAL

CONTRIBUTED BY DR. JEREMY GOLDBERG

My friend Dr. Jeremy Goldberg of Long Distance Love Bombs makes superfood oatmeal most mornings, and he always uses a different variety of superfood ingredients. Jeremy calls this his “Ninja-Proof Oatmeal Concoction.” You can mix up or swap the ingredients however you like—the point is, you’re majorly upgrading your everyday oatmeal!

Makes 1–2 servings

Oatmeal:

½–1 cup organic oats (Jeremy prefers the quick oats.)

1–2 cups of water (2 cups of water for every 1 cup of oatmeal, or follow package directions)

Superfood Suggestions (mix and match)

1 tsp. or more of the following:

Cacao

Coconut oil or MCT oil (you can use your CBD-infused coconut oil here!)

Nut butter (peanut, almond, or cashew)

Chia seeds

Goji berries

Mushroom powder of choice (chaga, reishi, lion’s mane, or cordyceps are great choices here)

Maca

Spirulina, moringa, or greens powder

Flaxseeds

Top with:

A dash of cinnamon

A few drops of your favorite CBD oil

First, make your oatmeal as you normally would with oats and hot water, as directed on the package of oats you choose.

In a bowl you love that makes your heart sing, add your oatmeal and top with all of your superfoods.

Gently stir your superfoods into the oatmeal.

Add a dash of cinnamon on top.

Drizzle with a few drops of CBD oil.

Other variations to try: top with your favorite fruits (a kiwi, sliced strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, banana slices) or nuts (pistachios, walnuts, cashews, brazil).

CASHEW CHAGA LATTE

CONTRIBUTED BY HEALTH COACH AMANDA CARNEY

Amanda Carney is one of the best health coaches I know. A few years ago, we lived in apartments across the hall from each other in Brooklyn (yes, just like in Friends!), and we were both working as health coaches in Dr. Frank Lipman’s functional medicine practice. I would often knock on her door in the morning so we could have coffee together. She’d always be whipping up some sort of delicious healthy latte and was happily willing to share. Now I’m paying it forward by sharing her immune-supporting chaga latte with you!

Makes 1 serving

1 cup brewed (organic) coffee (or herbal tea, if you are avoiding caffeine)

1 Tbsp. organic raw cashew butter

1 tsp. chaga mushroom powder (or whichever mushroom you’re working with)

½ cup hot water

1 tsp. pure maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend for 5–10 seconds, until frothy. Pour into your favorite mug and enjoy.

SOME OPTIONAL ADDITIONS INCLUDE:

½ tsp. reishi

½ dropperful of mushroom tincture

½ dropperful of CBD oil (your preferred dose)

Pinch of ashwagandha (start small—this is a bitter herb)

1 Tbsp. collagen powder

Sprinkle of cinnamon