In Oriental Medicine, the immune system is described as wei qi [pronounced, way chee]. Wei qi is the body's line of defense against intruding factors (such as cold and flu viruses). Through strengthening this kind of qi, the body can become more resistant to disease.

“Having a strong wei qi, or the warmth and moisture that covers skin, builds an excellent defense against cold and flu pathogens,” says Peggy Miller, LAc, manager of the herbal pharmacy for the Minnesota College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine at Northwestern Health Sciences University. “An herbal practitioner can provide an individualized treatment plan to strengthen wei qi, keep pathogens from entering the body, and release any pathogens that have already entered.”

To help build wei qi, Miller recommends the following tips:

• Eat Well: Eat for the season – don’t eat cold foods in the winter (such as fruits and other raw things). Instead, eat warm foods such as soups. The body is able to access the qi in warm foods.
• Get a Better Night’s Sleep: Get an adequate amount of rest.
• Avoid Alcohol as Much as Possible: Only drink in moderation – too much alcohol can challenge qi.
• Dress Appropriately: Be sure to keep your neck and throat warm (wear a scarf especially when you’re outside). Stay out of the wind. In Chinese medicine, wind-cold and wind-heat (pathogens) enter the body through the back of the neck and throat.
• Pay Attention to Seasonal Changes: Even during winter, expose yourself to nature – it helps the body prepare for pathogen exposure.
• Get Moderate Exercise: Exercise keeps everything in your body flowing – including qi. You can try tai chi or qi gong – which are gentle yet effective exercises. Don’t overdo it.
• Wash Your Hands Often.
• Pay Attention to Your Surroundings: Keep distance from people who are sick.

Herbal Options

Herbs are an excellent option to strengthen your immune system because they can help build wei qi. An herbalist bases his or her treatment on where the pathogen is located within your body. This is important because taking the wrong herb can actually push a pathogen further into your body. Herbal treatment is highly individualized; meaning what may work for one person won’t necessarily work for another.

“Herbs are always used together – you will rarely ever be prescribed just one,” says Miller. “Your herbalist will often prescribe one central herb, and then a few others that tell the central herb where to carry out the function, and others that will help strengthen or weaken that function.”

Spend time talking with your herbalist to find out about what’s going on in your body. You may not even need herbs – it may just be simple lifestyle choices that make you more susceptible to colds and flu. Miller says herbal remedies can offer these benefits:

• Minimal side effects: Taking herbs prescribed by a licensed herbalist have minimal side effects, and getting a “bad” herbal prescription is much less dangerous than taking the wrong pharmaceutical.
• Herbs are often more affordable than pharmaceuticals.
• Herbs are an elegant solution for problems of prevention and treatment of common health problems.

There are a number of herbs that can be used to boost immune function. Among them include:

• Astragalus (Huang Qi)
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal (Hiydrastis Canadensis)
• Lentinua Edodes (shitake mushroom)

Sources: Treating Colds and Flu with Chinese Herbal Remedies, by John Heuertz, DOM; Herbal Medicine Press, 2005; Health News Naturally, Winter 1996.