Echinacea also increases production of interferon, an important part of the body's response to viral infections such as colds and flu. In traditional Chinese medicine, this herb is considered a tonic specifically related to the lungs and spleen. The portion of the plant used medicinally is the 4-7 year old dried root collected in the spring. Astragalus is everything you could possibly ask for in a along-term immune booster. It is also considered important in building the body's immune system for those with chronic low immunity.
Astragalus appears to restore T-cell counts to relatively normal ranges in some cancer patients.
It has been proved capable of stimulating the proliferation of immunocompetent cells. It has also been shown to augment interferon, the body's natural anti-viral compound. It strengthens digestion, raises metabolism and promotes the healing of wounds and injuries. It grows wild on decaying logs and tree stumps in the coastal provinces of China and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years. The fruiting body of the mushroom is employed medicinally.