Echinacea is a sovereign tonic for the immune system — it strengthens the activity of the cells responsible for fighting infection. It’s effective in warding off both viral and bacterial infections.

The malic and acetic acid in apple cider vinegar also help boost the immune system — and apple cider vinegar is quite simply the best base available for tinctures.

I pour the apple cider vinegar over ground echinacea root, then let the whole sit and steep for six weeks before straining out the root. It goes into one-ounce brown glass bottles topped with a convenient eyedropper.

At the first sign you’re getting sick, take a dropperful of tincture every hour or so until you start feeling better. DO NOT use this tincture for more than a week at a time, or it will overstimulate your immune system.

As always, I am not a medical professional and this is not to be construed as any sort of medical advice; I don’t get paid near enough for that.

Ingredients: Apple cider vinegar, echinacea purpurea root.

Price: $6