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If you're already practicing yoga, it's likely your immune system is the better for it, but during the cold and flu season, taking a few herbs and vitamins can further buttress your body against the seasonal onslaught of germs. Even Julia Fine, who's gotten such a dramatic boost to her immune system from yoga, pops a multivitamin every day. That's a great place to start, but if you're looking to sharpen your immune system this winter, also consider one of the following:

Astragalus: Take it all winter

What it is
Often used by practitioners of Chinese medicine to shore up immunity in the face of serious illness, this herb can also stave off colds and the flu. It works preventively, says Mark Blumenthal, of the American Botanical Council in Austin, Texas. "If you know your immune system is going to be under stress from travel or work, you can take it in advance to build up your resistance."

Suggested dose
Up to two 500-mg powdered-root capsules or tablets three times a day. Or you can take it as tea, by boiling an ounce of the root in one cup of water for 15 to 20 minutes. Tip: If you use astragalus for long periods, you may become resistant to it. Take it in alternating three-week cycles with immunity enhancers like echinacea. (A study last summer dismissed echinacea, but herbal experts say a 3,000-mg daily dose does have cold-busting powers.)

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