One of the most effective ways to use medicinal herbs is in the form of a tincture.

Echinacea is an antiviral effective at fighting colds and flu, and promoting healing of infections. Take this tincture when fighting an infection or traveling, or apply it topically to minor inflammations such as hangnails and bug bites.
Echinacea Tincture Recipe
• 1 cup fresh echinacea buds, flowers, leaves and stems rinsed, chopped and pounded
• 1 cup 190 proof ethanol alcohol (Everclear) and 1 cup distilled water
1. Place prepared herb in a clean jar. Cover with the solution of alcohol and water. Keep in a cool, dark place, shaking twice daily, for 48 hours (these delicate plant parts require less time than many others).
2. Filter tincture through a food-grade screen. Pour finished tincture into a brown glass bottle and label.