I ordered this for my daughter who's away at college. She was developing a terrible Sore throat, and I had heard that echinacea can be very effective in treating sore throats. She had amazing results making a tea out of it and drinking at least a thermos full every day: Sore throat cleared up in record time, and she's sure it saved her from missing classes at the very least. One thing she figured out is not to brew it with boiling water - apparently it extracts some unpleasant flavors and aromas - so use hot water before it comes to a boil, or let boiling water cool slightly before brewing. If you're impatient, you can add cold water to reduce the temperature more quickly. She says that, when it's made right, it should have a very strong, rather strange smell, best described as "tylenol" or "old lady perfume." Despite this, I am assured it is magical and tastes very good. Apparently, it has started a craze among her group of friends. If you're bothered by the lack of caffeine or the unusual aroma, it does mix well with a little special gunpowder green tea (and likely with other "grassy" flavored teas), which will help. :