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Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Botanical Information

  • Family: Lamiaceae
  • Common Names: Self-Heal, Heal-All, Woundwort, Carpenter’s Herb
  • Parts Used: Aerial Parts (Leaves, Flowers, Stems)

Description

Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as Self-Heal, is a low-growing perennial herb native to Europe, Asia, and North America. This plant has been used in traditional herbal medicine for its wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. It is regarded as a versatile remedy for both internal and external ailments.

Historical and Traditional Uses

  • Used in European and Chinese herbal medicine for treating wounds, infections, and inflammatory conditions.
  • Employed as a natural remedy for sore throats, ulcers, and respiratory infections.
  • Traditionally applied topically to cuts, burns, and insect bites to accelerate healing.
  • Consumed as a tea for cooling fevers and reducing heat-related illnesses.

Constituents

  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Triterpenoids
  • Flavonoids
  • Phenolic acids
  • Mucilage
  • Essential oils

Actions

  • Astringent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antiviral
  • Antioxidant
  • Immune-modulating
  • Vulnerary (Wound-healing)

Medicinal Uses

1. Wound Healing and Skin Care:
Applied as a poultice or salve to speed up the healing of cuts, burns, and bruises.

2. Immune System Support:
Traditionally consumed as a tea to help fight viral infections, colds, and sore throats.

3. Digestive Health:
Used for soothing ulcers, gastritis, and digestive inflammation.

4. Oral Health:
Gargled as a mouthwash for gum infections, canker sores, and sore throats.

5. Anti-Inflammatory Support:
Used internally and externally to relieve arthritis, muscle soreness, and inflammatory skin conditions.

Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea from Aerial Parts):

  • 1-2 tsp of dried herb per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Tincture:

  • 2-5 ml taken up to twice daily.

Poultice (Topical Use):

  • Crushed fresh leaves applied to wounds or inflamed skin.

Mouthwash/Gargle:

  • Infuse 1 tsp of dried herb in warm water and use as a gargle for oral health.

Precautions and Contraindications

  • Pregnancy and Lactation: Use with caution and consult a healthcare provider.
  • Blood-Thinning Medications: May enhance anticoagulant effects due to its flavonoid content.
  • Allergies: Individuals sensitive to plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) should use with caution.

Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

  • Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and astringent; supports tissue healing and immune defense.
  • Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM): Clears heat, resolves toxicity, and benefits the Liver and Heart meridians.
  • Ayurveda: Balances Pitta and Kapha, but may increase Vata in excess.

Combinations

  • For Wound Healing: Combine with calendula and plantain.
  • For Sore Throats: Combine with sage and licorice root.
  • For Immune Boosting: Combine with echinacea and elderberry.

Harvesting and Storage

  • Harvesting: Aerial parts are collected in summer when in full bloom and dried for medicinal use.
  • Drying: Air dry in a cool, ventilated area away from direct sunlight.
  • Storage: Store dried herb in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

Modern Research

Studies confirm Prunella vulgaris’s antimicrobial, immune-modulating, and wound-healing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

Self-Heal remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for immune support, wound healing, and inflammation relief.