Immune Tonic Monograph
Tonicum Immunitatis
I. Description
A compound tincture prepared to steady the body’s first defences at the first sign of illness, while lending a soft guard to the throat and airways. The blend unites immune vigilance, aromatic clarity and gentle mucosal comfort—calm, measured, and keenly attuned to colder days.
II. Composition
· Echinacea purpurea — 35% — Immunostimulant; lymphatic; antiviral adjunct
· Thymus vulgaris — 20% — Antimicrobial; expectorant; bronchodilatory
· Glycyrrhiza glabra — 20% — Demulcent; adrenal restorative; harmoniser
· Althaea officinalis (Radix) — 15% — Mucosal protectant; anti-inflammatory
· Sambucus nigra — 10% — Antiviral; diaphoretic; antioxidant
III. Indications
Early colds and influenza-like illness; sore throat; hoarseness; seasonal immune resilience in adults and children (with adjusted dosing).
IV. Materia Medica Notes
Echinacea — Quickens innate defence; long honoured for catarrhal states.
Thyme — Aromatic clarity for the chest; dispels phlegm, steadies breath.
Licorice — Softens irritation; restores reserves; harmonises the whole.
Marshmallow — Rich mucilage to soothe and shield delicate mucosae.
Elder — A gentle diaphoretic at fever’s edge; antioxidant support.
V. Administration
Adults: 5–10 mL daily in divided doses; in acute phases up to 5 mL q.i.d (3 times daily) for 5–7 days, then reduce.
Children: 0.25 mL per 5 kg body weight daily, in 2–3 doses; dilute in warm water. Short courses during infection, or intermittent seasonal use.
VI. Safety
Contains ethanol; avoid in pregnancy or infants <2 years.
Caution: Glycyrrhiza in hypertension/renal/cardiac disease; Echinacea in autoimmune conditions.
Althaea may delay absorption of medicines—separate by ≥1 hour.
Apothecary’s Summary
A fortifying draught—quiet in manner, steady in purpose—marrying the alert watchfulness of immunity with the silk-soft guard of mucosal ease, for that first tickle in the throat when winter leans in
Seasonal Tonics | Autumn in winter by JoBrowne
© Jo Browne 2025
