Description Used as a remedy by the Plains Indians more than any other plant, Echinacea(E. angustifolia & E. Purpurea) are perennial plants 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 Green "echinos" meaning sea urchin or hedgehog in reference to its sharp spiny projections on the cone shaped seed heads. To this day, herbalists continue to grow and use Echinacea for its beneficial properties. For more than 75 years, long before it became fashionable, Alvita was championing the profound health-giving properties of herbal teas. Alvita travels to the far reaches of the globe for the finest herbs, the best growers, the most precious sources. Small wonder that so many consumers trust the Alvita name. Today, it stands for more than 100 different teas, including classic single herb varieties, and our unique Alvita blends. The package you hold in your hand combines ancient herbal wisdom with modern science, and brings to you all the richness and benefits of herbal teas. This philosophy is the very reason why you will find sensible, English pillow style tea bags that are oxygen bleached, not chlorine treated. And why you won't find any strings, tags or staples. Alvita. Natural Herb Teas that are Good for You and the Environment.