hmmm...sounds like an inferior product. I use olive leaf a lot and have for years and when friends or family get sick, it is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics and it will support the immune system very well with sore throat, strep throat, what have you. my first reaction is it could be the brand. I use olive leaf from the Herbal Healing Academy which is available online. it is a pharmecutical grade...guaranteed potency....www.herbalhealer.com