Defend Herbal Tincture | Immunity
What It's For: Supports the immune system when run down, and helps the body stay resilient through stress, travel and the colder months.
The Herbs: Echinacea, andrographis and elderberry, with tulsi, olive leaf and rosehip.
When to Take It: 5ml in half a cup of water daily, and up to three times a day at the first signs of feeling run down.
The Craft: A whole-herb liquid extract, crafted by Zen Maitri's herbalists. 100% plant-based.
Free UK standard delivery on orders over £50
100% Natural Ingredients.
Vegan Friendly.
Formulated by Medical Herbalists.
Free from dairy, soya, gluten, grains, added sugar and artificial sweeteners.
An Everyday Herbal Tincture of Echinacea, Andrographis & Elderberry
Defend Tincture is a concentrated herbal tincture for busy lives, taken daily through demanding weeks, travel and the colder months. Echinacea, andrographis and elderberry are blended with tulsi, olive leaf and rosehip, made as a whole-herb liquid extract.
The Herbs
Defend Tincture brings together two groups of herbs traditionally used for immune health. Balancing herbs support a healthy immune response and the body's resilience to stress. Protective herbs bring antiviral, antimicrobial and antioxidant support. Together they make a blend for busy weeks, travel and the colder months.
To Balance
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata): Traditionally used to support the body through respiratory infections, seasonal viral challenges and low energy, and to help maintain clear, easy breathing.
Echinacea Root (Echinacea purpurea): Traditionally used to support the immune system's front-line defenders, the white blood cells, and taken to help the body prevent and manage common seasonal illnesses.
Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum): Also known as holy basil, a well-known adaptogen that helps the body manage the physical and mental effects of stress, often a hidden drain on immune health.
To Protect
Elderberry (Sambucus nigra): Renowned for its natural antiviral properties and a traditional staple for easing the symptoms of seasonal colds and flu. It is also a powerful antioxidant.
Olive Leaf (Olea europaea): Contains potent antimicrobial compounds that help strengthen the body's resistance to external pathogens.
Rosehip (Rosa canina): An exceptionally rich natural source of vitamin C, a foundational nutrient for healthy immune function and tissue repair.
Why a Tincture?
Unlike tablets or capsules, a liquid tincture delivers whole-herb extracts in a form that is readily absorbed and easy to fit into a daily routine.
Each batch of Defend Tincture is made by slowly extracting the whole herbs, drawing out and preserving a broad spectrum of their natural compounds, including volatile oils and phytonutrients. The finished tincture captures the full character of each plant.
Specifications
Size: 100ml amber glass bottle with dropper (20 servings of 5ml)
Format: Whole-herb liquid extract
Suitable for: 100% plant-based
Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata), Echinacea Root (Echinacea purpurea), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Elderberry (Sambucus nigra), Olive Leaf (Olea europaea), Rosehip (Rosa canina), Purified Water, Ethyl Alcohol (Food-grade Extraction Solvent).
How to Take: 5ml (approximately 100 drops) diluted in half a cup of room-temperature water.
Additional Support: When feeling run down or in need of extra support, 5ml up to three times a day, before or after meals.
To Prepare: Measure with the dropper provided. Approximately 100 drops is equivalent to 5ml.
How Long: Take daily for at least 7–10 days. If symptoms persist beyond 10 days, book a consultation with one of Zen Maitri's herbalists.
Safety & Cautions
Daily Limit: Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.
Food Supplements: Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Not suitable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Medications & Professional Advice: If you are taking any prescription medication (especially immunosuppressants, blood thinners or diabetes medication), or have a chronic health condition, please consult your GP or contact our clinical team at info@zenmaitri.com before use.
Storage: Keep out of the reach of children. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
A Ritual for Busy Weeks
Protect Rest: Seven to nine hours of sleep, and ten quiet minutes with the eyes closed on days when a full night is not possible.
Eat Warm Food: Soups and stews with ginger, garlic, turmeric and black pepper through the colder months.
Keep Moving: A brisk walk or a few minutes of stretching every day.
Let in Fresh Air: Windows open daily, and hands washed after time in busy public spaces.
Echinacea is the most recognised immune botanical in Western herbal practice, taken through the winter months. Defend combines echinacea root with elderberry, andrographis, tulsi, olive leaf and rosehip.
Andrographis paniculata is a bitter herb of South and South East Asia, known as the king of bitters. It is one of the most used botanicals in traditional Indian and Chinese practice and is notably bitter, which is part of why it is blended rather than taken alone.
It is an expertly formulated blend of herbs traditionally used to support immune function. It is ideal as a proactive choice for busy parents, professionals, frequent travellers, or anyone wishing to support their immune system during periods of stress or seasonal challenges.
Both patterns are used. Many people take it daily through the winter months, others only through particular weeks. It is a food supplement rather than a medicine, so it is taken as part of a routine.
If you have already developed a cold or other respiratory illness, our Recovery Tincture may be taken alongside Defend to provide broader botanical support during recuperation. If you are unsure which approach is most appropriate for you, please contact our Medical Herbalists at info@zenmaitri.com for personalised guidance.
Tinctures are highly bioavailable, but they are not a quick fix. Consistent daily use for 7–10 days allows the herbs to build up in your system and provide the greatest level of support.
Use the integrated glass dropper provided. A 5ml serving is approximately 100 drops. While the exact number of drops may vary slightly, this provides a reliable guide for measuring your dose.
If you are taking prescription medication, please consult your GP or contact our Medical Herbalists at info@zenmaitri.com before use to ensure the herbs are appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Echinacea and andrographis are not suitable if you take immunosuppressant medication or have an autoimmune condition. Speak to your doctor before use.
Shipping rates:
United Kingdom (except for channels islands, see below).
- £4.50 for Standard Delivery (Royal Mail 48h Tracked). Delivery speed: 3-5 business days
- £6.50 for Express Delivery (Royal Mail 24h Tracked). Delivery Speed: 2-3 business days
- Free Standard Delivery on orders over £50
Channel Islands
- £6.50 for Standard Tracked (3-5 business days)
- Free Standard Tracked Shipping on orders of £50 or more.
USA
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Canada
- $15 (International delivery, 5-7 business days)
- Free Standard Tracked Shipping on orders of $200 and above.
We are also shipping to other countries/regions world-wide* including:
Europe: 5-7 business days
UAE: 5-7 business days
India: 5-7 business days
Saudia Arabia: 5-7 business days
Australia: 7 business days
New Zealand: 7 business days
*Rates will vary according to region/country, with exact shipping rates appearing when you check out.
