Used as a remedy by the Plains Indians more than any other plant, Echinacea is a perennial plant native to the United States. As early American settlers moved west in the 1800's, they discovered Native Americans used Echinacea for a variety of both internal and external health benefits. Also known as the purple coneflower, Echinacea has delicate, daisy-like pastel petals and narrow leaves. The name Echinacea is derived from the Greek echinos meaning sea urchin or hedgehog in reference to its sharp spiny projections on the coneshaped seed heads. To this day herbalists continue to grow and use Echinacea for its beneficial prosperities. Since 1922, Alvita has been making the finest herb teas money can buy. Pure, natural singles and blends that bring you unsurpassed enjoyment, healthful benefits and complete satisfaction. No less reassuring is our unwavering commitment to the environment. Today, no herb tea company goes as far to protect the Earth and its precious resources--this package and its contents being testimony. There is no plastic shrink wrap on the outside. The box is 100% recycled board that can be recycled again. The finish is water-based. Our tea bags are English Pillow Style, with no strings, tags or staples attached. Even the tea bag paper is recyclable. And all our bags are oxygen bleached, not chlorine bleached, to safeguard you and our ground water. Degradable. Recyclable. Reusable. The key component of each is the word able . At Alvita, we wholeheartedly believe we are all able to play a key role in preserving the wondrous world we live in. For us, it starts with offering you the most environmentally safe and responsible herb teas possible. Suggested Use: The best way to make a good tasting cup of tea is by the Infusion method. Place one tea bag into a cup and add no more than 6 oz. of boiling water. Let steep for 3 minutes and remove the bag. Press the bag before removing to enhance the flavor. Add honey to sweeten. Ingredients: Echinacea (Angustifolia & Purpurea).