Immune formula
First Defense
Acute support at the first sign of a cold
A short-course immune formula taken frequently at the first scratch of the throat, combining immune activation, antiviral action and warming circulation.
Blend recipe
| Herb tincture | Role | Ratio | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|
| Echinacea Root · 1:2 fresh root in 95% or 1:5 dried root in 60% ethanol | Primary | 40% | 24 mL |
| Elderberry Berry · 1:5 dried berry in 40% ethanol (or 1:2 fresh berry juice-tincture) | Primary | 30% | 18 mL |
| Ginger Fresh rhizome · 1:2 fresh rhizome in 95% or 1:5 dried in 90% ethanol | Catalyst | 20% | 12 mL |
| Licorice Root · 1:5 dried root in 30–40% ethanol (or fluid extract 1:1) | Harmonizer | 10% | 6 mL |
Blend individually prepared single-herb tinctures by volume. Shake well and store in amber glass away from heat and light. Label with formula name, date and ingredients.
Why these herbs work together
Echinacea stimulates innate immune cells while elderberry's anthocyanins and lectins interfere with viral attachment — two distinct points of action on the same problem.
Ginger is the catalyst: warming, diaphoretic and circulatory, it helps the body mount a fever response and relieves chill and congestion.
Licorice soothes the throat, supports the cough and smooths the acrid edge of echinacea.
Mechanisms & evidence
- Elderberry reduces upper respiratory symptoms (meta-analysis)Clinical
- Echinacea modestly reduces cold riskClinical
- Echinacea alkylamides act on CB2 receptorsPreclinical