Ashwagandha is the root of Withania somnifera, another Ayurvedic herb from India. Traditional usage included as an adaptogen, that is, a tonic to improve the body’s resilience and adaptation to stress. It has many other virtues proven by modern science, including its immune-stimulating properties. For travellers and teachers (not to forget carers of little children) this is a great combination.

Andrographis is the herb of the plant Andrographis paniculata, an Ayurvedic herb from India. It was traditionally used in both India and China to ease colds and flu. Modern reserch has demonstrated that Andrographis is an immune stimulant, and very useful in reducing the incidence of upper respiratory infections. It alsorapidly eases the symptoms of sore throat, colds and flu and shortens their duration.

Licorice isn’t really a confection; most licorice in the sweet shop is merely flavoured with a little licorice and a lot of other flavours. The herb is the root of Glycyrrhiza glabra and/or its Chinese cousin, Glycyrrhiza uralensis. In the West and in China, Licorice is traditionally used to soothe the respiratory tract and reduce the discomfort of colds and flu, including sore throat.

Black currant is the fruit of the bush Ribes nigrum, native to Europe and North Asia. For centuries the fruit was boiled with sugar to make a cordial, which was added to hot water to make a delicious remedy for colds and flu. It was believed that the high content of vitamin C in the berries was responsible for the speedy relief, but later research found that this was not the case. New Zealand Black currants have the highest levels of polyphenol pigments, in such high levels that they appear black. It is the polyphenols which ward off colds and flu, and reduce the symptoms and duration.