Vanilla Leaf (Achlys triphylla)

Vanilla leaf can be used a soothing tea, on its own, or with other wild ingredients such as rose hips.

The Saanich people of southern Vancouver Island use vanilla leaf as an insect repellent, gathering bunches of leaves and hanging them to dry indoors to deter flies and mosquitoes.

Medicinal Uses - the leaves are demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic and tonic. They are a folk remedy for coughs, malaria and neuroses.