Different species of Achillea have been used medicinally from an early date. Dioscorides mentions it as a plant which was used as an astringent and emmenagogue. According to Phing, the origin for the generic name for these plants go back to the mythical figure, Achilles, who made use of them as for healing. A species of Achillea is the Kaisum of the Arabians. The same plant is the Biranjasib or Biranjasif of the Persians. Another Persian name for the plant is Bu-I-maderan; it is in common use as a tonic in Persia and Sind. In Egypt a species of Achillea is used medicinally under the name of Barbara. In Europe and in the East, plants belonging to this genus have long been considered to have stimulant, tonic, emmanogogue and antihemorroidal properties. At Engadine, in Switzerland, a volatile oil is extracted from it called Esprit d'Iva.

Commonly distributed in the Himalayas from Kashmir to Kumaun, at altitudes of 1,050-3,600 m; it has also been seen growing in the Bombay and Belgaum

The herb contains the alkaloid achilline and also yields an essential oil.

The herb is considered astringent, tonic, diaphoretic, vulnerary and styphic. It has shown excellent results in the treatment of influenza and heavy chest colds and is much used in blood-purifying compounds.