A 2012 study found, for example, that Echinacea might help to protect against the development of respiratory symptoms during a period of travel. Those using Echinacea from two weeks before travel, to two weeks after returning, experienced fewer respiratory tract infections than those who did not take any Echinacea. 5

Echinacea historically was used extensively for sore throats and in vitro studies have shown that Echinacea purpurea is active against the bacteria that causes strep throat ( Streptococcus pyogenes). 1Sage ( Salvia officinalis) leaf, on the other hand, is a wonderful astringent with an affinity for the throat. A warm sage tea or a sage-and-salt gargle are some of my favorite simple remedies for a sore throat. Gargle with the mouthwash or rinse it around your mouth for about 20 to 30 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow the mouthwash.

As well as helping to fight infection, Echinacea can be useful when a cold or flu has already taken hold. Also, if those around you are suffering from symptoms, it is a good way to prevent those symptoms from hitting you too. Echinaforce Hot Drink Elderberry Syrup is a must-have in any natural medicine chest. Elderberry is used for its antioxidant activity and can help stimulate the immune system, to help with coughs, colds, flu, bacterial and viral infections, and tonsillitis.One of the biggest hurdles people have when starting out in making herbal formulas is the concern about safety. A question I often get is, “Can you ever combine herbs in an unsafe way?” or “Does combining two or more herbs ever end up with a toxic result?” Echinacea extracts have a long history of use in herbal remedies formulated to treat the symptoms of colds and flu, including sore throats. The fresh plant preparation Echinaforce® drops is made from the fresh, blooming leaves and fresh roots of the Echinacea purpurea plant. When using the spray for the first time, point the spray arm away from your face and press the plunger at the top of the bottle a few times until a fine mist comes out. All these herbs have a long history of being used for sore throats, coughs, and inflammation. They are highly antiseptic and antibacterial.