Natural Factors Big Friends Echinacea Fresh Herb Tincture, Alcohol-free (50 mL)

Natural Factors Big Friends Echinacea is an alcohol-free, berry-flavoured echinacea tincture for children 5 and older, teens and adults, in a 50 mL bottle. Every 1 mL is a 1:1 liquid extract equal to 1000 mg of organically grown Echinacea purpurea. Used in Herbal Medicine to help fight off infections, especially of the upper respiratory tract.

What Big Friends Echinacea is licensed for

It is licensed for sale by Health Canada and bears NPN 80007578. The licence also lists:

• Supportive therapy in the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections (e.g. common colds).
• Helps to relieve the symptoms and shorten the duration of upper respiratory tract infections.
• Traditionally used in Herbal Medicine to help relieve cold symptoms.

What is in the bottle

The medicinal ingredient is Echinamide, the Natural Factors extract of Echinacea purpurea made from the aerial parts and the root in a 95 to 5 ratio. The extract is made 1:1 in 60% glycerin rather than alcohol, so each millilitre equals 1000 mg of fresh herb. The other ingredients are glycerin, water and natural flavours, which give a mixed berry taste.

There is no added sugar and no alcohol. Natural Factors lists it as suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and the label carries the ISURA non-GMO mark.

How it compares

Natural Factors also sells Echinamide Anti-Cold Fresh Herb Tincture and Echinamide Anti-Cold - Natural Berry, each in a 50 mL bottle and dosed for adults. Big Friends Echinacea is the children's version of the same idea: alcohol-free, berry-flavoured, and with label doses that start at age 5.

How to take it

Start at the first sign of infection and take it with water. Children 5 to 9 years take 3 mL daily, and adolescents 10 to 14 years take 5 mL daily. Adolescents and adults 15 years and older take 2 mL 5 times daily. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 8 weeks. Key cautions: consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen, and stop use if hypersensitivity/allergy occurs. The label also lists conditions and medications to discuss with a health care practitioner first. The full directions and cautions are under How to Take.

Who it suits

It suits families who want one echinacea bottle that both a school-age child and a parent can use, and parents who would rather not give a child an alcohol-based tincture. At the 5 to 9 dose the bottle lasts about 16 days, while one adult at the full dose uses it in 5 days.

Big Friends Echinacea FAQ

What age is it for?

The label gives doses from age 5, with separate amounts for ages 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 and older.

Does it contain alcohol or sugar?

No. The extract is made in glycerin, and there is no added sugar.

How do I give it to a child?

Measure the dose and mix it with water. The label directs taking each dose with water.

Is it licensed in Canada?

Yes. It bears NPN 80007578 and is licensed for sale by Health Canada.

Shop more Natural Factors supplements or the full echinacea range. Orders over $99 ship free in Canada.