Protocol · Immune Health
Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Treatment Support Protocol
Zinc Lozenges and Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) are the core of this stack, with 7 supporting supplements. Each row gives the amount the protocol lists and the grade our evidence database holds for that supplement in Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI) Treatment Support.
We are re-verifying the studies cited on protocol pages; only confirmed citations are shown.
The stack
9 supplements · 5 graded · 1 graded A · 5 confirmed studies
| Grade | Supplement | Amount listed | Why it’s in the stack | Evidence on file | Shop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary stackThe core of this protocol | |||||
| Zinc Lozenges | Amount listed: 75–100 mg total daily as lozenges (every 2–3 hours while awake) | Inhibits viral replication in respiratory tract; started within 24 hours of symptoms can significantly reduce infection duration
| Grade A for Acute Respiratory Tract Infection Risk1 study · 5,446 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Zinc Lozenges (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) | Amount listed: 30–60 drops or 20–30 mg extract 3× daily for 7–10 days | Stimulates immune response and has direct antibacterial effects; reduces severity and duration of acute bronchitis and respiratory infections
| Grade B for Bronchitis Symptoms4 studies · 341 people | ||
| Supporting stackListed as additions to the core | |||||
| Vitamin C (High-Dose) | Amount listed: 1–2 g every 2–3 hours during acute illness (up to 8 g/day for first 2–3 days) | Supports immune cell function; high doses during illness may reduce symptom severity and duration
| Grade D for Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Risk5 studies · 1,332 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Vitamin C (High-Dose) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) | Amount listed: 15 mL syrup 4× daily or 175 mg extract 4× daily during illness | Antiviral activity against influenza and some cold viruses; significantly reduces duration and severity of infection
| Not graded yet | ||
Confirmed studies for Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Vitamin D | Amount listed: 5,000–10,000 IU daily for 5–7 days during acute infection | Supports innate immunity; those with low levels benefit most from supplementation during infections
| Grade C for Asthma Symptoms2 studies · 11,321 people | ||
Confirmed studies for Vitamin D (titles as PubMed lists them) | |||||
| Andrographis (King of Bitters) | Amount listed: 200 mg standardized extract 3× daily for up to 7 days | Reduces severity and duration of respiratory infection symptoms; has immunostimulatory effects | Not graded yet | ||
| Echinacea | Amount listed: 500–1,000 mg extract every 4–6 hours at onset, for up to 10 days | Immunostimulant that may reduce cold duration when taken at first sign of symptoms
| Grade D for Sleep Quality143 people | ||
| Honey | Amount listed: 1–2 tablespoons as needed for cough (adults and children >1 year) | Soothes sore throat and reduces cough; may be more effective than some OTC cough medicines | Not graded yet | ||
| NAC (N-Acetylcysteine) | Amount listed: 600–1,200 mg daily during illness | Mucolytic that thins mucus; may reduce duration and severity of respiratory infections | Not graded yet | ||
Shop the evidence-backed picks
The collection holds the supplements we grade A or B for its theme, in third-party tested products where the catalog has them. It opens in our Fullscript store. You can look through it without signing in; Fullscript asks for a free account to order.
Or shop one supplement
The 2 supplements in this protocol graded A or B. Each opens third-party tested products, matched to the dose above where we can.
- Grade A
- Grade B
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How this protocol works
In plain language
Acute respiratory infections (ARIs) include the common cold, flu, bronchitis, and other viral infections affecting the respiratory tract. Most are caused by viruses and resolve on their own, but they cause significant discomfort and missed work or school. While there's no cure, certain supplements can help your immune system fight the infection faster and reduce symptom severity.
IMPORTANT: Most ARIs are viral and don't require antibiotics. However, seek medical attention if you have high fever, difficulty breathing, severe symptoms, symptoms lasting >10 days, or you're in a high-risk group. These supplements support recovery but don't replace medical care when needed.
- Zinc Lozenges are one of the most effective treatments when started within 24 hours of symptom onset. Zinc inhibits viral replication in the throat. The key is using the right form (acetate or gluconate—not citrate), taking them frequently (every 2-3 hours while awake), and starting immediately when you feel that first tickle.
- Pelargonium sidoides (Umckaloabo) is a South African traditional remedy with strong clinical evidence. It stimulates the immune response and may have direct antibacterial effects. Multiple clinical trials show it significantly reduces the severity and duration of acute bronchitis and respiratory infections.
- Vitamin C at high doses during acute illness may help reduce symptom severity and duration. The idea is that immune cells use up vitamin C rapidly when fighting infection, so the body needs more during illness. Take it throughout the day for best effect.
- Elderberry has direct antiviral activity against influenza and some cold viruses. It prevents viruses from entering cells and stimulates the immune response. Studies show it can cut the duration of flu by about 4 days and significantly reduce cold symptoms.
- Vitamin D supports the innate immune system's ability to fight respiratory infections. If you're deficient, a short course of higher-dose vitamin D during illness may help. Even if you're not deficient, vitamin D supports immune function.
- Andrographis is an Ayurvedic herb that reduces the severity and duration of respiratory symptoms. It's widely used in Scandinavia for treating colds and has been shown in clinical trials to be effective.
- Echinacea works best when taken at the very first sign of illness. While evidence is mixed, some studies show it can reduce cold duration if started early enough and taken frequently.
- Honey is surprisingly effective for cough—some studies show it works better than dextromethorphan (the active ingredient in many OTC cough medicines). It soothes the throat and may have antimicrobial properties.
- NAC is a mucolytic that thins thick mucus, making it easier to clear from the airways. It may also have antioxidant benefits that support recovery.
Expected timeline: Start these supplements at the first sign of illness for best results. Zinc and elderberry can shorten illness by 1-3 days when started early. Most respiratory infections resolve within 7-10 days.