The first line of defense against infections and diseases is the body's immune system. Over a period of time like most organs and body parts, the immune system also tends to slow down. Getting sick often is a definite way to know that one's immune system is not functioning at its optimum capacity.

Herbs are the most effective immune system boosting medicines with the least or no side effects. These immune system boosting herbs are meant for different aspects of the immune system. Some of these herbs with their properties are mentioned below:

• Astragalus: Acting as a immunostimulant astragalus activates our immune system. It is known to invigorate vital energy, is restorative, strengthens resistance, restores damaged immunity, promotes tissue regeneration, is cancer inhibiting, antiviral, adaptogenic, protects and strengthens the heart and the liver.
• Echinacea: Beneficial in boosting the immune system. Echinacea is know for its ability to help cells grow that naturally fight off any form of infection.
• Goldenseal: Helps to fight off types of bacteria that can cause illness. Also helpful in preventing parasites from being able to survive in your body.
• Usnea: Is useful in enhancing and tonifying the immune system with no side effects.
• Poke root: Is probably the most fast acting immune system booster. Whether it is chronic infections or acute infections, this herb is know to provide relief after only one dose.
• Ginseng: Most widely used as a effective immune tonic, ginseng helps the immune system respond quickly to infection is also know to diminish the effects caused by stress
• Garlic:  An age old herb it has been established as a medicine to prevent infection.
•  Reishi  & shitake: Both are revitalizing, regenerative, and are proved to directly suppress infection.