One doesn't have to be an herbalist, know complicated formulas, or Chinese philosophies to enjoy the benefits that herbs can bring into your life. Begin using herbs in the simplest form; incorporate them into your cooking in increasing amounts. Put a few pinches in a pot of stew, sprinkle over a salad, toss a little in your favorite spread, make an herbal tea. Within a short time, you will have incorporated a number of different herbs into your life, and you should start feeling better naturally.

Echinacea, or the "purple cornflower," has been used as a medicinal remedy by Native American Indians for over 400 years. Unlike antibiotics, which are directly lethal to bacteria, echinacea makes our own immune cells more efficient in attacking bacteria and viruses. In other words, unlike a vaccine which is active only against a specific disease, echinacea stimulates the overall activity of the cells responsible for fighting all kinds of infection.

In Chinese medicine the two functions loosely correspond to the "wei qi" or external immune system and the "zheng qi" or up-right qi, which is the vital force necessary to remain strong during the course of illness. If the "wei qi" fails it is necessary for the "zheng qi" to keep the body strong. If the body stays strong enough, any illness can be out-lasted. And, because the "wei qi" depends on the "zheng qi," Chinese medicine generally focuses on that in cases of immune system deficiencies. Of course, in some cases this is easier said than done and there are no miracles.

Immune system support comes in a number of natural and modern ways. There are lots of remedies and therapies planned to help boost the immune system. It is now proved that emotional health is directly related to the immunity and its normal functioning. For this reason, if you want immune system support, you should learn to relax and start discussing about the problems those are bothering you and making you stressed.

There are certain signs that occur that indicate the body's immune system needs a boost because it is suppressed or depressed: constant fatigue, low levels of white blood cells, cuts and wounds don't heal quickly, fungal infections, a cold or the flu lingers for weeks and complications develop, frequency of colds or the flu has increased, cold sores or genital herpes outbreaks, shingles, and lymph glands that are swollen. These signs are the same in both cancer patients and also those without cancer.

The biggest factor that can make or break your immune system is nutrition. That's right; the strength of your disease-fighting cells is determined by the quality of the food that you eat. Above all, there are herbs and essential substances that are considered as natural boosters for the immune system. Whatever happens, building up your immune system owes a great deal to the food that you put in your mouth.