It is a perennial, coarse-grained herb that develops purple rosettes (flowers), which are used both for beverages and for medicinal purposes. It originates from the Midwestern United States and southern Canada, but has been systematically cultivated in Europe in recent years. It’s main components are polysaccharides, glycosides (echinacin), flavonoids, alkamides and caffeic acid (echinacoside, cynarin). It also has many vitamins A, C and E, iron, potassium, essential oils and other secondary components such as polyethylenes, alkylamides, betaine, echinolone, humulene, copper, inulin, etc.