Chinese herbal is used to treat a wide variety of viral infections. Clinical studies in China have shown it be effective when used on an ongoing basis against the common cold.

This is research by Chang HM, But PPH, Eds. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica Singapore World Scientific, 1987; p. 1041-1046.

Research in animals has shown that Astragalus apparently works by stimulating several factors of the immune system, including enhancing phagocytic activity of monocytes and macrophages, increasing interferon production in natural killer cell activity, enhancing T-cell activity, and potentiating other anti-viral mechanisms.

Astragalus appears particularly useful in cases where the immune system has been damaged by chemicals or radiation.

This is research by Zhao KS, Mancini C, Doria G. Enhancement of the Immune Response in Mice by Astragalus Membranaceus. Immunopharmacology, 1990; 20; 225-233.

Echinacea is one of the most popular herbal medicines in the United States and Europe. In 1994, German physicians prescribed Echinacea more than 2.5 million times.

There are over 200 journal articles written about Echinacea. This herb is from the sunflower family and can be seen in many perennial gardens across the United States.

Echinacea is thought to stimulate the immune system by increasing the production of and activity of white blood cells, especially natural killer cells (NK cells).

The German Commision, E monograph. suggests that persons with autoimmune illnesses such multiple sclerosis, Lupus, or tuberculosis should avoid Echinacea.

Studies have shown Elderberry Extract to reduce the duration of influenza symptoms from an average of 6 days to 48 hours. The potential benefits of Elderberries in reducing viral infection is thought to stem from an ability to inhibit a mechanism required for viral replication. Elderberries also contain a broad range of powerful antioxidant compounds including polyphenols.

In 1992, a team of Israeli scientists headed by Madeleine Mumcuoglu (pronounced Mum-shoe-glue) set out to study the effect of elderberry on flu patients. During a flu epidemic at an Israeli Kibbutz, half of the flu patients were given an elderberry syrup, the other half a placebo. The results: within 24 hours, 20% of the patients receiving elderberry had gotten significantly better. Within two days, 75% of the elderberry group was much improved; within 3 days 90% were completely cured. Among the placebo group, only 8% of patients improved within 24 hours and it was a full 6 days before 90% of the patients were cured. Flu viruses invade cells by puncturing the cell walls with little spikes called hemagglutinin. These spikes are coated with an enzyme called neuraminidase, which helps break down the cell walls. Elderberry appears to actually disarm these spikes and inhibit the action of this enzyme --thus preventing flu viruses from invading cells.

Goldenseal is a perennial herb native to eastern North America. This herb has shown to be a potent immune stimulator.

It increases the blood flow to the spleen and increases the number and activity of macrophages. Macrophages are released in response to foreign substances that invade the body.

These white blood cells roam around the body destroying unwanted bacteria, viruses, yeast, and tumor cells. 

Licorice Root is a popular and well-known remedy for coughs, consumption, and chest complaints generally most notably bronchitis, and is an ingredients in almost all popular cough medicines on account of its valuable soothing properties. Beneficial for hypoglycemia, bronchitis, colitis, diverticulosis, gastritis, stress, colds, nausea, and inflammation. Cleanses the colon, promotes adrenal gland function, decreases muscle or skeletal spasms, and increases the fluidity of mucus from the lungs and bronchial tubes. Has estrogen-like hormone effects; changes the voice.