History of Echinacea and how it's used: http://www.avogel.ca/en/plant-encyclopedia/echinacea-purpurea.php
A bunch of studies done to prove Echinaforce's effectiveness:
Safety and Efficacy Profile of Echinacea purpurea,2012
Effects of Echinaforce treatment on ex vivo-stimulated blood cells, 2011
Echinaforce study summary: anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-inflammatory, 2010
Echinacea -bactericidal and immunomodulatory effect, 2010
Echinacea potential use for acne, 2010
Echinaforce-Antiviral and mode of action on H1N1 flu, 2009
Echinaforce Antiviral effect - H3N2 Flu, 2009
Echinaforce antiinflammatory effect, 2008
Echinacea, Lancet article 2007
And some information on Elderberries too:
http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-elderberry.html
http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-434-ELDERBERRY.aspx?activeIngredientId=434&activeIngredientName=ELDERBERRY
I've seen the proof in my own home as well as at the store with customers coming in regularly for products such as these raving about how well they work. I like the Hot Drink option because I can make a soothing tea to curl up with - or add it to my smoothie in the morning before I rush out the door - super versatile. Plus the kids and hubby didn't mind the tea either - I added a little honey and they drank it down!
Next I'm going to try Host Defense's My Community since the kids were both complaining of scratchy throats again this morning!
Gotta love cold & flu season! I'll let you know what happens :)