This is actually purple coneflower and is a perennial. It's used as a cold and flu remedy. It boosts the immune system. it's taste is kind of strong and some say it makes their tongue tingle. It has been proven that it helps with upper respiratory infections. The herb is just added to boiling water and then strained to make the tea. The tea does not contain caffeine. Check online for more info and recipes. I didn't know the uses until I started growing it several years ago.The whole coneflower can be consumed but these are dried and cut flowers and leaves roots were not dug up. You can also use in capsules if they are ground.