Many people today try natural products promoted to "boost or support the immune system." Some of the herbs and vitamins that are available today to best prepare us for the winter cold and flu season are discussed in this article today.

Zinc is sometimes used to prevent colds. It is believed that it works by inhibiting rhinovirus replication. 

Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), also known as "Indian echinacea," is often used to prevent both colds and flu. Some research suggests that Andrographis has immunostimulant properties.There's some preliminary evidence that suggests andrographis might reduce the risk of catching a cold. 

Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) is a Chinese herb promoted to prevent colds and flu. There's some evidence astragalus can stimulate lymphocyte production.

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia, Echinacea pallida, Echinacea purpurea) is widely used to prevent upper respiratory infections including colds and flu. Echinacea stimulates the immune system, causing macrophages to produce tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1, and beta-interferon.

If you are trying to conceive  DO NOT to use echinacea or andrographis. There is some concern that  these herbs might decrease fertility by decreasing sperm motility and decreasing oocyte fertilization. However, these effects haven't been demonstrated in humans, but couples trying to conceive should avoid echinacea and andrographis until more is known.

Garlic (Allium sativum) is often  tried for preventing colds. Garlic has immunostimulant activity and  antiviral activity. There's some evidence that allicin-containing garlic SUPPLEMENTS reduce the risk of catching a cold. Allicin is the active component in garlic. Patients taking daily supplements between November and February have one fewer cold than patients taking placebo. Of course Garlic has dose-related adverse effects...most commonly bad breath and body odor. Also if you happen to be taking warfarin, garlic can increase the INR.

Panax ginseng might have immunostimulant effects. Some clinical evidence suggests that Panax ginseng might protect against colds and improve response to the flu vaccine.  Panax ginseng might increase natural killer cell activity and the antibody response to  vaccination also.

Some research suggests that milk fortified with the GG strain of Lactobacillus rhamnosus can modestly reduce the incidence of respiratory infections in young children in day care. Lactobacillus GG might stimulate immune function.Other research suggests a combination of the essential fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid can reduce respiratory infections in children. These fatty acids might have a beneficial effect on immune function.

Vitamin C has long been promoted for colds and flu...and has generated lots of controversy. Vitamin C might help immune function. It seems to increase T-lymphocyte activity, phagocyte function, leukocyte mobility, and possibly antibody and interferon production.

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