Your immune system regulates your body's response to infections. A poor immune system can leave you more susceptible to a wide range of infections and illnesses. Several over-the-counter herbal and vitamin supplements can help to enhance and boost the strength of the immune system, potentially helping to keep you healthier. Because some supplements may interact with other supplements or medications, discuss your supplementation plan with a doctor first.
Ginseng
Both Asian ginseng, or Panax ginseng, and American ginseng, or Panax quinquefolius, contain ginsenosides that may have various health benefits. Traditionally, it's prescribed as a way to boost the immune system, according to the National Institutes of Health. For example, the institutes say that it may be administered in conjunction with a flu vaccine to improve your body's response to the vaccine.
Green Tea
Green tea has potent levels of antioxidants known as polyphenols, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These antioxidants scavenge your body for harmful free radicals and may improve general health conditions, including an improved response to infections and disease. It's been used as a general health supplement for improved well-being for over five millennium, reports the center.
Echinacea
Echinacea is one of the most widely taken herbs in the United States and is typically administered as a immune-system booster to assist the body's response to infections, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. For example, the center says it may help to reduce the symptoms and duration of illnesses such as the common cold. The medical center says it may shorten the duration of your cold or flu by up to four days.
Multivitamins
Deficiencies of certain vitamins, specifically vitamin B-2, B6, C, D, E and zinc can inhibit your immune system, according to the Harvard Medical School. Taking a standard vitamin supplement that provides the recommended daily allowance for the vitamins can help to maintain your immune system's health and strength. Though excessive vitamin supplementation of nutrients such as vitamin C are purported to boost the immune system, Harvard warns that the "jury is still out" and evidence is unclear on exactly how such supplementation affects your immunity.
