I initially created this blended herbal formula for loved ones (family and friends), office patients, staff and patients in clinical residential treatment programs to assist in combating the annual flu season, Autumn through Spring time. It is a very helpful defense shield for daily use and traveling. This herbal formula is based on centuries of TCM formulas, clinical research, and efficacy.

Take 3-4 capsules on an empty stomach with warm, filtered water or tea twice daily during flu season.

For those over 56, please consider taking year-round to strengthen and maintain your defensive Wei-Qi.

Astragalus + Rhizoma Atractylodes macrocephala+ Ganoderma +
Cordyceps + Radix Saposhnikovia divaricata+ Schisandra Chinensis berry.

Other ingredients: Pullan rice powder and rice extract blend in vegetarian capsules.

Daily values have not been established

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Caution: Please consult your physician if you have an underlying autoimmune illness or taking immune suppressant medication before using our Immune Defense Shield. Do not take if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

Astragalus, our Queen herb, is the defensive shield that strengthens our Wei-Qi to protect us from exterior viral or bacterial pathogens. It is routinely used in TCM formulations to support immune health, cardiovascular health, lower blood sugar and increase adaptability, stamina, and vitality. (Front. Pharmacol. 15 May 2025).

Ganoderma (also known as the Reishi or Lingzhi mushroom) contain active antioxidant compounds, triterpenes and polysaccharides to support immune health, fatigue reduction, boosts WBCs and underlying constitution to inhibit the growth of viruses and bacteria. (Foods. 2023 Apr 3;12).

Cordyceps militaris has been used for centuries for its medicinal values. The first written record of cordyceps was in AD 620 during the Tang Dynasty, revered for its healing and longevity properties by the ruling emperors. During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), physicians used it in medicinal tonics and broths. It was officially recorded as an herbal drug in Ben Cao Bei Yao formula (Material Medica) in 1694 during the Qing dynasty. Tibetan scholars wrote extensively about cordyceps from the 15th-18th centuries. There are currently over 400 species, but in modern herbal formulas we use Cordyceps sinensis or Cordyceps militaris to boost stamina, support immune system functions and reduce fatigue by improving ATP production and oxygen utilization. It is revered to support energy production during exercise. (Biotech. 2013 Feb). A 2016 research study reported that cordyceps supports longevity by helping the body to naturally reduce DNA damage due to its scavenging properties, and contains potential nutrition for DNA repair. (Altern Ther Health Med. 2016 Jun 22).

Atractylodes macrocephala supports immune function, strengthens digestion and gut motility, balances fluid regulation - preventing internal dampness, sluggishness and excess perspiration. (Volume 362, 10 may 2026). Revered in TCM herbal formulations to tonify Qi, increase energy, combat fatigue, and overcome general malaise.

Schisandra Chinensis berry is a five-flavored adaptogen containing powerful antioxidants and Vitamins C and E. Centuries of research and clinical trial studies consistently shared that this beloved adaptogen used by China, Korea, Japan and Russia helps support immune functions, regulate cortisol stress hormones to fight fatigue, stress, anxiety and burnout without over-stimulation, supports vitality, promotes liver support, detoxification, aids in cellular regeneration, and supports glutathione production to protect against oxidative damage. (Phytochem Rev. 2016 May 12).

Saposhnikovia divaricate is a revered, gentle herb known to expel wind and resolve dampness, releasing external pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. It supports joint comfort, reduces muscle cramps, decreases wind-induced rashes, itching and eczema, as well as helps mild digestive issues. (Nat Med. 2017 May 18).

Front. Pharmacol. 15 May 2025, Sec. Ethnopharmacology
Volume 16 - 2025 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1585697
Bioactive components and clinical potential of Astragalus species

Feng, S., Ding, H., Liu, L., Peng, C., Huang, Y., Zhong, F., et al. (2020). Astragalus
polysaccharide enhances the immune function of RAW264.7 macrophages via the NF-
κB p65/MAPK signaling pathway. Exp. Ther. Med. 21, 20. doi:10.3892/etm.2020.9452

Li, W., Hu, X., Wang, S., Jiao, Z., Sun, T., Liu, T., et al. (2020). Characterization and
anti-tumor bioactivity of Astragalus polysaccharides by immunomodulation. Int. J. Biol.
Macromol. 145, 985–997.

Li,W., Song, K.,Wang, S., Zhang, C., Zhuang,M., Wang, Y., et al. (2019). Anti-tumor
potential of Astragalus polysaccharides on breast cancer cell line mediated by
macrophage activation. Mater. Sci. Eng. C 98, 685–695. doi:10.1016/j.msec.2019.01.025

Ianara Mendonça Da, C., Francisca Overlânia Vieira, L., Luciana Cristina Borges, F.,
Bianca, N., Francisca Idalina, N., Rodrigo, D. a.M. A., et al. (2019). Astragaloside IV
supplementation promotes A neuroprotective effect in experimental models of
neurological disorders: a systematic review. Curr. Neuropharmacol. 17, 648–665.
doi:10.2174/1570159x16666180911123341

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Volume 362, 10 may 2026, 121314
Comparison of the effect of raw and prepared Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma - Atractylodis Rhizoma couplet medicines on strengthening the spleen and transforming dampness

Front Pharmacol. 2023 Aug 4;14:1236656. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1236656
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae - Assessing the influence of herbal processing methods and improved effects on functional dyspepsia.


Foods. 2023 Apr 3;12(7):1512. doi: 10.3390/foods12071512 PMCID: PMC10094145 PMID: 37048331
Exploring the Potential Medicinal Benefits of Ganoderma lucidum: From Metabolic Disorders to Coronavirus Infections.

3 Biotech. 2013 Feb 19;4(1):1–12. doi: 10.1007/s13205-013-0121-9 PMCID: PMC3909570 PMID: 28324458
Pharmacological and therapeutic potential of Cordyceps with special reference to Cordycepin

Altern Ther Health Med. 2016 Jun 22, Suppl 2:24-31. PMID: 27433838
Cordyceps sinensis: Genotoxic Potential in Human Peripheral Blood Cells and Antigenotoxic Properties Against Hydrogen Peroxide by Comet Assay
Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2003 Jul 1;190(1):1-8. doi: 10.1016/s0041-008x(03)00152-2. PMID: 12831777Methanol extract of Cordyceps pruinosa inhibits in vitro and in vivo inflammatory mediators by suppressing NF-kappaB activation
Paper, 18 March 2024. Food Funct. (2024) 15 (8): 4010–4020.
https://doi.org/10.1039/d3fo03770c
Cordyceps sinensis accelerates stem cell recruitment to human skeletal muscle after exercise

J Diet Suppl PMC: 2018 Jan 13. PMCID: PMC5236007 NIHMSID: NIHMS809731 PMID: 27408987
Published in final edited form as: J Diet Suppl. 2016 Jul 13;14(1):42–53. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2016.1203386
Cordyceps militaris improves tolerance to high intensity exercise after acute and chronic supplementation

Daru, 2015 Jul 4;23(1):35. doi: 10.1186/s40199-015-0117-6. PMID: 26141646 PMCID: PMC4491205
Anti-cancer effect of Cordyceps militaris in human colorectal carcinoma RKO cells via cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial apoptosis
 
Chin J Nat Med. 2017 May 18;15(4):255–264. doi: 10.1016/S1875-5364(17)30042-0
PMCID: PMC7128302 PMID: 28527510
Saposhnikoviae divaricata: a phytochemical, pharmacological, and pharmacokinetic review

Chin J Integr Med. 2020 Apr 21;26(11):873–880. doi: 10.1007/s11655-020-3091-x
PMCID: PMC7176574   PMID: 32328867
Saposhnikovia divaricata—An Ethnopharmacological, Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review

Phytochem Rev. 2016 May 12;16(2):195–218. doi: 10.1007/s11101-016-9470-4
PMCID: PMC5378736 PMID: 28424569
Current knowledge of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz), Baill, (Chinese magnolia vine) as a medicinal plant species: a review on the bioactive components, pharmacological properties, analytical and biotechnological studies

Front Nutr. 2023 Jul 25;10:1227027. doi: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1227027 PMCID: PMC10408133  PMID: 37560060
An analysis of the nutritional effects of Schisandra chinensis components based on mass spectrometry technology