It’s important to remember that herbs don’t work like drugs, so if you don’t notice the effects immediately, do not be discouraged, some herbs take longer for their effects to work and be noticeable. Most of our remedies can be taken in larger doses and with greater frequency if needed, so if our suggest dosage doesn’t seem like enough don’t be too afraid to try raising your dosage or frequency a small amount at a time until you find your “sweet spot.” Again, for our low dose botanicals please do not exceed the recommended dosage, or you may experience uncomfortable side effects, particularly in the digestive system such as nausea. However, compared to quercetin and acteoside, all three tinctures (019, 014, and the NST) displayed lower antioxidant activity ( Figure 4). Both of these two compounds showed antiradical activity reaching 96–100% of DPPH inhibition at concentrations between 26 and 50 μg/mL for quercetin and acteoside. Similarly, quercetin and acteoside were very effective in scavenging the ABTS + radical cation, displaying 100% inhibition between 7 and 13 μg/mL. In addition, they showed discrete FRAP values amounting to 330 (quercetin) and 67 (acteoside) μg/mL to obtain 95% inhibition. This process of cultivating a relationship with the remedies you use and deciphering their planetary correspondences is truly at the heart of what alchemy is all about: a deeper connection to the natural world on the outside (macrocosm) and on the inside (microcosm). This is the pathway that leads to a depth of understanding of how to use the spagyrics you prepare and administer them with confidence and competence. Because spagyrics were first based on and used within an alchemical worldview, it is difficult to translate their results and effects into the language of modern western science, as these two paradigms are not exactly in perfect alignment with each other. Rather, spagyrics are one of the only genuine remnants of ‘traditional occidental medicine’ and like most traditional systems, their effects and use cases are often described in terms of analogies, symbolism and holistic beliefs. From a chemical standpoint, the mineral salts neutralize the organic acids of the plant. This converts the acids of the plant to their ester form yielding soap-like compounds. What was once oil soluble, is now water soluble. This form is more bioavailable, making the plant’s compounds more potent and effective. The salts also undergo other reactions that create carboxylic acid salts. Both esters and carboxylic acid salts are commonly studied in modern day pharmacology as ‘prodrugs’ due to their ability to deliver the compounds faster and without degradation before absorption into the body.

Spagyric medicine is a term often unfamiliar to cancer sufferers and healthcare professionals, yet this medical system is proving to deserve close consideration not only due to its remarkable potential in reducing the damaging side-effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, but also because it is always evolving with new natural blends to help those on their cancer journey. Not many formal scientific studies on spagyrics have been conducted - so experience is largely still anecdotal and traditional. That said, there have been some scientific findings. One of the most common questions we get here at Natura Sophia Spagyrics is “how do I use or work with my spagyrics?” It’s an understandable question, considering the therapeutic approach to spagyrics is a bit different than your standard run-of-the-mill herbal tincture, especially if you are using them to support healing on the Mercury and Sulfur levels of being (psychological/emotional and soul). When formulating spagyric medicine, the seven inner planets are traditionally used, as the system was developed prior to the invention of the telescope. These include the sun, moon, Mars, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury. However, what about the three outer planets?

This humbling and touching experience is an intimate portrait of what it feels like to connect with a plant, tuning into its life cycle, and gently remembering what it feels like to be a microcosm in the macrocosm that surrounds you. In 2001 I was introduced by an herbal colleague to Phylak Spagyrics and have actively practised this system ever since, being constantly impressed and inspired by the results of the treatments.

Consistent with the above observations, the chemical profile investigated by combining HPLC-DAD and LC–MS/MS and through spiking it with available reference compounds confirmed that the main peak ( t R = 39.58 min) in both samples was represented by harpagoside ( Figure 2, peak 5).The limit of detection (LoD) and limit of quantification (LoQ) were calculated according to conventional guidelines [ 31, 32] on the basis of signal-to-noise ratios (S/Ns) of 3:1 and 10:1, respectively, by injecting a series of dilute solutions of known concentrations of harpagoside in the range of 31–0.061 μg/mL. The LoD for harpagoside in the adopted analytical conditions was 0.061 µg/mL, while the LoQ was 0.210 µg/mL. Another important essence is made from Catharanthus roseus, Madagascar Periwinkle, the plant from which two very powerful anti-cancer agents were discovered which inhibit tumour growth.

This combination RCTH01 has been shown in various cases to help in the regeneration of damaged cells affected by cancer drugs. It may improve the quality of life of cancer patients. It also gives good results in pre-cancerous conditions (cysts, warts and polyps) and is beneficial after cancer surgery, as it bring vitality, boosts the immune system and is a preventive medicine as well, promoting good health and vitality in general.

Some historical milestones

It is accepted that conventional cancer treatments can cause collateral damage to healthy cells and body systems, often resulting in problems such as gastrointestinal disturbances, mouth sores, fatigue and insomnia, or excessive sleepiness. Spagyrics is a branch of the European alchemical tradition developed by the Swiss alchemist and physician Paracelsus. This rich lineage focuses on the preparation of medicinal plants that reaches far beyond your typical forms of herbal extract. Based in North Wales and Co. Kildare, Ireland, I have been a practicing herbalist since 1987 when I qualified with the Dr Christopher School of Natural Healing. I specialise in Western herbal medicine, herbal alchemy with Spagyrics, and am also a Reiki Master.