Name

What is it

What it does

Astragalus

Astragalus membranaceus, also known as milk vetch root; long used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Traditionally used for frequent colds, shortness of breath and fatigue; has been shown to heighten the activity of immune cells in a “resting” state in addition to encouraging immune cell proliferation

Echinacea

Also known as purple coneflower, often grown in gardens; several Echinacea species have shown medicinal qualities

Used as an antimicrobial by 19th-century Eclectic practitioners; analyses of clinical data support echinacea’s use in the treatment and prevention of upper respiratory infections

Garlic

Allium sativum L., used in cultures around the world as a culinary and medicinal herb

Extracts have demonstrated antimicrobial and immune-stimulant properties; also found to support overall well-being, including cardiovascular health

Green Tea

Camellia sinensis, native to southern and eastern Asia; source of all beverages labeled “tea,” including green

Long valued by Chinese healers for its many medicinal properties; EGCG, tea’s main component, has been found to fight bacteria, fungi and viruses; also available in extract form

Maitake

Grifola frondosa, a large, edible mushroom also known as “hen of the woods” for its ruffled appearance

Appears to stimulate a wide variety of immune-system components, among them macrophages, cells that engulf and digest microbes, and NK cells; has shown anti-cancer effects

Olive Leaf Extract

From the same tree, Olea europaea, that produces table olives; native to the Mediterranean area

Traditionally used to ease fevers; contains oleuropein, which fights bacteria and viruses; acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant; has also been found to lower glucose and blood pressure levels

Shiitake

Lentinus edodes, an edible mushroom native to the Far East and now cultivated commercially

Contains amino acids and B vitamins; helps stimulate the development of immune system cells; also helps to lower cholesterol levels and fight tumors

Vitamin A

Fat-soluble nutrient in animal products such as eggs and dairy; precursors in produce such as carrots and pumpkins

Initially called “the anti-infective vitamin” because of its importance to immune function; also crucial to proper eyesight, gene regulation and fetal development

Vitamin C

A water-soluble nutrient also known as ascorbic acid; found in a variety of produce including citrus fruit and tomatoes

Stimulates a number of immune cells and helps protect them from free-radical damage; also an essential cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions within the body

Zinc

A nutritionally essential mineral found in shellfish, beef and other red meats in addition to legumes and nuts

Required for proper development of immunity factors called T cells; even mild deficiency has been linked to impaired immune function; also vital for neurological and reproductive health

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera, a small, woody scrub native to India, Africa and the Mediterranean also known as “winter cherry”; used in Ayurvedic medicine as a Rosayana, an herb that promotes all-over well-being

Helps regulate immune function and help the body adapt to stress (which can depress immunity); has shown anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties; appears to stimulate a sluggish thyroid; eases arthritis pain

NAC

N-acetyl cysteine, a derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine

Helps clear mucus from the lungs; has led to less severe cases of flu and bronchitis in studies; promotes greater cellular health

Selenium

A trace mineral found in Brazil nuts and various types of seafood

Helps regulate immune cell function; deficiency has been linked to impaired immune response and increased cancer risk