Achillea has been used for millennia thanks to its widespread distribution, perennial nature and multitude of uses. Most of all it is used to heal wounds thanks to the content of the biochemical achilleine which will stop bleeding.

The Doctrine of Signatures - a widely cited theory that suggests how physical characteristics of plants reveal their therapeutic value - is reflected here in the fine feathery leaves, which resemble a weaving together. The leaves also resemble a tail, which explains the Native American names of Chipmunk Tail (Kootenai) or Squirrel tail.

In Squaxin indigenous medicine, everything from nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset are treated with many different preparations of achillea. The Nuu-chah-nulth (Vancouver Island) and Klallam (coastal Washington) also use it for cold medicines.

Achillea is used in REFRESH to fight infection, tone the tissue, shrink the pores, to soothe the skin, provide relief from mild pain and irritation, heal broken capillaries, promote balanced pH, restore moisture, heal cuts and reduce scarring.

Today and everyday we honor the indigenous people and their respectful, symbiotic relationship with the land. May we continue to learn from their ways.