A type of medicinal mushroom, agaricus is often touted as an all-natural immune-booster. Indeed, there's some evidence that agaricus may help stimulate the immune system and even help strengthen your defense against some forms of cancer. However, since most of this evidence comes from animal-based research and test-tube studies, it's too soon to recommend agaricus for cancer defense.

To keep your immune system strong, it's important to follow a diet rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, exercise regularly, get plenty of sleep, and keep your stress in check. In addition, some studies show that certain herbs (including echinacea and astragalus) can help bolster your immune system and help fend off colds. In order to get the full benefit of these herbs, it's important to start taking your supplements as soon as cold symptoms set in. Read the article: Agaricus - What You Need to Know.

Often referred to as "umcka," pelargonium is an herbal remedy thought to treat coughs and colds. Long used in traditional South African medicine, pelargonium has been found to knock out viruses and stimulate the immune system in a number of test-tube studies.

While relatively few clinical trials have tested the cold-fighting effects of pelargonium, there's some evidence that using liquid preparations of the herb may help ease cold severity and shorten the duration of sickness. In addition, several studies suggest that pelargonium may help relieve bronchitis.

If you're looking for a natural cold remedy, research shows that herbs like echinacea and astragalus may also provide cold relief. Getting plenty of sleep, gargling with warm salt water, and drinking lots of water and tea can help soothe your symptoms as well, according to the National Institutes of Health. Read the article: Pelargonium - What You Need to Know.

Like shiitake and maitake, chaga is a medicinal mushroom often used to rev up the immune system and fend off illness. Many proponents even suggest that taking chaga supplements--or drinking chaga tea--can increase the body's defense against cancer.

Although there is currently a lack of scientific support for the claim that chaga can help prevent cancer, some preliminary research shows that chaga can slow up the growth of cancer cells. What's more, a number of studies indicate that chaga can combat oxidative stress (a destructive biological process thought to be linked to the development of cancer).

To protect against cancer, it's crucial to avoid smoking, follow a balanced diet rich in antioxidant-packed vegetables and fruits, exercise regularly, and keep your weight in check. Some studies have found that people who drink tea and maintain optimal levels of vitamin D may be less likely to develop certain types of cancer. Read the article: Chaga - What You Need to Know.

Oats, barley, and certain medicinal mushrooms all contain beta-glucan, a natural substance that's widely available in supplement form. Touted as a natural remedy for a host of health problems (from allergies and asthma to major diseases like diabetes), beta-glucan is also purported to protect against some forms of cancer.

Although there is currently a lack of research on the potential benefits of taking beta-glucan supplements, a number of studies suggest that dietary intake of beta-glucan may help enhance your health. For instance, studies show that the beta-glucan found in oats may help reduce cholesterol levels. There's also some evidence that including beta-glucan-rich foods in your diet may help manage diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels and lowering blood pressure.

In addition, preliminary research in animals indicates that beta-glucan may help strengthen the immune system and fend off colds and flu. And while some laboratory research suggests that beta-glucan may possess anti-cancer properties, it's too soon to recommend beta-glucan for cancer prevention. Read the full article: Beta-Glucan - What You Need to Know.