HomeSelf-heal, heal-all, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort or blue curls
Prunella vulgaris

Parts used

Stem, Leaves, Flower

Tastes

Spicy / Pungent, Bitter

Energetics

Drying, Cooling

Common names

Self-heal, heal-all, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort or blue curls

Description

Welcome to a world of enchantment and wonder, where nature's beauty takes center stage in the form of Prunella Vulgaris. This captivating plant, also known as self-heal or heal-all, has long held a mystical allure that beckons us to unravel its secrets. Join us on an exploration like no other as we delve into the mesmerizing appearance and remarkable characteristics of this extraordinary herbaceous perennial. Prepare to be spellbound by the sheer elegance and versatility of Prunella Vulgaris – a true marvel deserving our admiration and reverence.Prunella vulgaris is the latin name and can be interpreted as such:Prunella (genus)= tiny plum vulgaris (species)= common or simple Lamiaceae (family) = The alternative family name Labiatae refers to the flowers typically having petals fused into an upper lip and a lower lip (labia in Latin)Prunella Vulgaris, also known as self-heal, is a herbaceous perennial plant in the mint family Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, Africa and in North America. The plant grows to 25 cm (12 in) tall and has opposite, narrowly ovate egg-shaped leaves. The flowers are purple with greenish-brown sepals.The leaves are opposite, lanceolate to ovate, 2–7 cm long and 13-15mm broad; they have a slightly toothed margin and are densely covered in long white hairs on underside. The stem is square (mint family) and hairy.The flowers are two-lipped and tubular; each flower har top purple hood with a white bottom-lip. It has three lobes with the middle lobe larger and fringed upward. Flowers bloom from June to August on the northern hermisphere. Prunella vulgaris is a drought-tolerant plant that grows in various habitats including woods, grasslands, and disturbed areas.An olive-green dye can be extracted from the flowers and stems.

Safety

Since there is limited research on Prunella vulgaris in humans, there is no information about its potential side effects. Before taking Prunella vulgaris, consult your healthcare provider. Always seek medical advise for abnormal uterine bleeding or blood in urine.

Habitat

Prunella vulgaris is a drought-tolerant plant that grows in various habitats including woods, grasslands, and disturbed areas. The plant typically blooms between June and August.

Geographic range

Prunella vulgaris is a plant that is native to Europe, Eurasia and America but now with a large geographical range across all continents. It was introduced to many countries (and islands) in the 1800s and since then has been recorded as invasive on many Pacific islands, as well as New Zealand.

Harvesting guidelines

Prunella vulgaris, more commonly known as self-heal, is a perennial herb that has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but it can now be found growing in many parts of the world. Self-heal has a number of different applications in herbalism, and is particularly well known for its ability to heal wounds and support the immune system.If you're interested in harvesting self-heal for yourself, there are a few things you need to know. First of all, it's important to only harvest self-heal from areas where the plant is abundant and not at risk of being over-harvested. This means avoiding places like roadsides or hiking trails, where the plant is likely to have been disturbed by humans or animals.Once you've found a good spot to harvest from, take care to only collect the leaves, stems and flowers of the plant. These are the parts that contain the most medicinally active compounds. Avoid taking too much from any one area, and make sure to leave some plants behind so that they can continue to thrive.With self-heal, as with any wild plant, it's always best to err on the side of caution. If you're not sure whether or not a plant is safe to eat or use medicinally, it's always best to consult with an expert before proceeding.

Preparations

In order to prepare Prunella vulgaris for medicinal use, the aerial parts of the plant should be harvested during the flowering period (June–August). The top four inches of the stem should be cut and then dried in a dark, well-ventilated area. Once completely dry, the plant material can be stored in glass or plastic containers for later use. To make an infusion of P. vulgaris, one teaspoon of dried herb should be steeped in eight ounces of hot water for 10–15 minutes; this can then be consumed up to three times daily.Tincture: Finely chop fresh self heal flowers and leaves (a few stems are fine too). Combine one part fresh herb with 2 parts 40% alcohol. If plant has been dried use 1/3 dry herb against 2/3 40% alcohol. Alcohol can be switched out for apple cider vinegar or other type of fruit vinegar. Take 1-2ml TDS. Drop dose: 20-40 drops TDS.Capsules with 500mg dried herb can be taken TDS.Salve, creams and poultices including Prunella vulgaris are good to use topically on wounds and sores.

Uses

Prunella vulgaris has been used medicinally since ancient times; it was mentioned by Pliny the Elder in his Natural History written circa AD 77–79. The plant was used traditionally to treat wounds, sores, and ulcers; it was thought to speed up the healing process because of its high tannin content. Extracts from P. vulgaris were shown to have antimicrobial activity against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, and other bacteria. The plant was also used as a diuretic, digestive aid, and to treat fever.Prunella Vulgaris has a long history of use in traditional medicine. The whole plant is used fresh or dried for infusions, tinctures and decoctions. The herb is astringent, diuretic, vulnerary, anti-bacterial, anti-viral, tonic, reduces blood pressure and heals wounds.Prunella Vulgaris is used internally for sore throat, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, and uterine bleeding. Externally, it is used for wounds, bruises, and skin irritations.Prunella Vulgaris also called Heal all and is believed to be good for many things, such as diarrhoea, stop bleeding, against bleeding haemorrhoids, against bleeding gums, inflammation, liver stimulant, against herpes HSV 1 and 2.Prunella vulgaris helps lowering blood pressure though softening the vein walls and may be beneficial for those suffering from too high cholesterol and other heart related issues.Prunella vulgaris may help protect against viruses, infections, and chronic diseases, including diabetes and cancer. However, nearly all of the research on Prunella vulgaris has been limited to animal and test-tube studies.

Doses

Consult with an expert Herbalist.

Key Constituents

Prunella Vulgaris is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which are thought to protect against cell damage and reduce inflammation. This herb is also a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, as well as minerals like iron, calcium, and magnesium. Some studies have shown that Prunella Vulgaris can help boost the immune system, improve cognitive function, and reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.When the plant is in flower, it contains saponins, glycosides and small amounts of essential oil, in addition to resin, tannins and bitters. More specifically, i.a. the following ingredients mapped: Oleanolic acid, rutin, hyperoside, ursolic acid, caffeic acid, vitamins B1, C and K, tannins, beta-carotene, zinc, essential oils and alkaloids. The flowers contain glycosides, dephinidin, cyanidin, d-camphor, d-fenchone and ursolic acid. Ursolic acid has an anti-tumor effect.

REferences and research

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9261270/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_vulgaris https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/prunella-vulgaris/ https://materiamedicaresource.wordpress.com/2015/01/16/self-heal/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17475343/ https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/prunella-vulgaris#side-effects https://www.cabidigitallibrary.org/doi/10.1079/cabicompendium.116556 https://europepmc.org/article/med/32184721 https://www.rolv.no/urtemedisin/medisinplanter/prune_vul.htm

Propagation

Propagate by stolon, division or seed. Propagation by stolon yields larger plants in a shorter time.

Problem insects and diseases

No serious pests. Deer resistant.

culinary

They can be added to stews, soups, and salads. The presence of tannin in the leaves can result in a somewhat bitter taste; however, this can be mitigated by washing the leaves. Freshly chopped or dried and powdered leaves can be made into a beverage when infused in cold water.

folklore

Apparently Self Heal used to be gathered by the druids in much the same way as Vervain. It was to be picked at night during the dark phase of the moon, preferably when the Dog Star was rising, and dug up with the druid's sickle before being held up in the left hand. After this, thanks should be said and the plant separated for drying into flowers, leaves and stems.

magical uses

In the enchanting realm of herbal sorcery, Prunella vulgaris holds a special place as a mystical marvel. This bewitching herb reveals its magical prowess through its delicate purple flowers that dance in the moonlight, radiating ethereal energy. As dusk descends upon the enchanted forest, wise witches and wizards gather sprigs of this sacred plant to harness its potent spells. With wands adorned with Prunella vulgaris leaves, they conjure protective enchantments against malevolent forces and dispel dark energies lurking in hidden corners. When brewed into an elixir under a raven-black sky kissed by shooting stars, this herbal potion possesses curative properties capable of mending even the most stubborn ailments. Echoes of ancient whispers claim that those who ingest this otherworldly infusion gain heightened intuition and clarity of mind, allowing them to traverse unseen realms and communicate with mystical beings beyond mortal comprehension. The magical essence woven within Prunella vulgaris sets hearts ablaze with love's sweet fire; it is believed that carrying these blossoms close to one's heart will attract soulmates destined for eternal unity. Truly, Prunella vulgaris embodies nature's own spellbook – an unyielding source of magic waiting to be explored by those brave enough to venture into realms where mysticism reigns supreme.

Latin name

Prunella vulgaris

Family name

Lamiaceae

Harvest month

June to August

Sustainability issues

None

Actions

Anti-bacterial, Anti-viral (Zhang et al), Reduces blood pressure, Diuretic, Astringent, Heals Wounds (Ody), Vulnerary Tonic (Hoffman)

Zone

4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Soil

Clay Loam (Silt) Sand, Good Drainage Moist, Acid (<6.0) Neutral (6.0-8.0)

Size

Upto12 inch, 30 cm

Siting

Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day) Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
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