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SELF HEAL

  • Writer: Dave
    Dave
  • Mar 30, 2023
  • 5 min read

Updated: Apr 8




Self Heal


Botanical Name

Prunella vulgaris

Common Name

Self heal, heal all, all heal, brunella, carpenter’s herb, brownwort, hook heal, slough heal, heart of the earth, blue curls, woundwort, sickle wort, consuelda menor, consolida minor, hsia ku ts’ao, adi erikotu

Family

Lamiaceae/Labiatae

Parts Used

Flowering tops, leaves

Native To

Although self heal’s exact native range is obscure (Wiersema & León, 2016), it is believed to be native to most regions of the Northern Hemisphere (Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew [RBGK], n.d.).

Harvesting Guidelines

The optimal time to harvest self heal for medicinal use is during the pre-flowering stage when its floral spikes contain the highest concentrations of bioactive compounds such as rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid. According to a study conducted in China, early May is the ideal time to harvest Prunella vulgaris for maximum potency, though this may vary depending on the geographic location and local growing conditions. To harvest self heal, gently clip the flowering tops, avoiding excessive damage to the plant to ensure it continues to grow and reproduce. Proper drying is essential to preserve the plant’s medicinal properties, and care should be taken to ensure that the leaves and flowers are fully dried before storage to prevent mold or degradation of active compounds.

 


Self heal, scientifically known as Prunella vulgaris, is a versatile and historically significant herb celebrated for its medicinal properties. Commonly found in temperate regions of Europe, North America, and Asia, self heal has been used for centuries in both folk medicine and modern herbalism. With its cooling and anti-inflammatory properties, it is a staple in various cultures for treating a wide range of conditions, including wounds, infections, gastrointestinal issues, and fevers. Rich in bioactive compounds like rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and oleanolic acid, self heal is valued for its therapeutic potential in treating both acute and chronic ailments.


Indigenous Use

Self heal has been used for centuries by Indigenous peoples in North America for its wide range of healing properties. The Anishinaabe people, for instance, referred to the plant as ingijibinaa, meaning "the great drawer-outer," due to its ability to draw out foreign objects from the skin and help clear infections. The herb was commonly applied as a poultice to treat wounds and infections, leveraging its vulnerary (wound-healing) properties. Additionally, Native American groups such as the Delaware and Mohegan used it to treat fevers, applying it as a tea or cooling wash for the body.


In traditional Native American medicine, self heal was considered a valuable remedy for a wide range of ailments, particularly those related to infections and inflammation. The cooling properties of the plant made it a popular choice for treating "hot" conditions, such as fevers and inflammation, as well as digestive complaints like diarrhea and gas.


Historical Use

Self heal has been known and used since ancient times, particularly in both European and Chinese traditional medicine. It has been a key component in herbal texts and practices dating back to the 16th century. In Europe, it was used extensively during the Renaissance for its ability to heal wounds, as well as to treat conditions like fever, sore throat, and digestive issues. The English herbalist Nicholas Culpeper recommended self heal as a treatment for wounds and ulcers, associating it with Venus and considering it to have a cooling nature.


In Chinese traditional medicine, self heal (Prunella vulgaris) has been used for over a thousand years, included in early materia medica texts. Its Chinese name, xia ku cao, meaning "grass that withers in summer," reflects its resilience and cooling properties. It has been used to treat a wide range of conditions, including fever, sore throat, and inflammation. In some regions of China, it is used in soups or teas, often combined with other herbs for its medicinal benefits.


Self heal was also valued in medieval Europe, where it was included in many herbal compendiums for treating ailments such as coughs, sore throats, and inflammation. Its reputation as a "healer's herb" persisted throughout the centuries due to its diverse medicinal properties.


Modern Use

Today, self heal remains a staple in modern herbalism due to its many health benefits. It is commonly used in tea, tinctures, and extracts to address a variety of health concerns. Its antiviral, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties make it particularly effective for treating infections, gastrointestinal issues, and inflammatory conditions.

In Western herbalism, self heal is primarily used for its antimicrobial properties. It has shown effectiveness against various bacterial infections, such as those caused by Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. It is also used to support the immune system, with studies indicating its antiviral properties, particularly in treating conditions like cold sores and the flu.


Self heal is also used in modern herbalism to treat digestive issues. It has astringent and demulcent properties, making it helpful for treating conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), colitis, and diarrhea. In some herbal practices, it is recommended for use as a carminative to ease digestive discomfort such as gas, bloating, and colic.

Its cooling and febrifuge qualities make self heal an excellent choice for treating fevers and hot conditions. Many herbalists use self heal to treat conditions associated with heat, such as inflammation, sore throat, and even certain types of allergic reactions. Its cooling effects also make it an ideal remedy for conditions like hot flashes, especially in women going through menopause.


Scientific Research and Studies

In recent years, self heal has gained attention in the scientific community for its bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic benefits. Several studies have focused on its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting effects.


Antimicrobial and Antiviral Properties: Self heal has demonstrated significant antimicrobial and antiviral activity. Research has shown that it can inhibit the growth of various bacterial pathogens, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In addition, studies on its antiviral properties suggest that self heal may be effective against viruses like HIV, herpes simplex virus, and influenza. These findings support its traditional use for treating infections and boosting immune function.

 

Adult Dose

  • Tea: 1-2 teaspoons of dried herb in 8 fl oz of water, taken 2 times per day.

  • Tincture: 1.5-5 mL of fresh herb (1:2, 65%) 3-5 times per day; 5-10 mL of dried herb (1:4, 40%) 1-3 times per day (7).


Safety:

Self heal is generally considered safe when used in recommended amounts, though it may cause allergic reactions in some individuals, including skin rashes and gastrointestinal upset. It is also advisable for people with diabetes to monitor their blood sugar levels closely, as the herb may affect blood sugar regulation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before using self heal.


 Actions and Energy


Actions:

  • Anti-inflammatory

  • Antibacterial

  • Antioxidant

  • Antiseptic

  • Antiviral

  • Astringent

  • Carminative

  • Demulcent

  • Febrifuge

  • Photoprotective

  • Vulnerary


Energy:

  • Cool

  • Moistening

:


References

  1. Chen, Y., Guo, Q., Zhu, Z., & Zhang, L. (2012). Changes in bioactive components related to the harvest time from the spicas of Prunella vulgaris. Pharmaceutical Biology, 50(9), 1118-1122. https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2012.658477

  2. Bai, Y., Xia, B., Xie, W., Zhou, Y., Xie, J., Li, H., … Li, C. (2016). Phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of the genus Prunella. Food Chemistry, 204, 483-496. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2016.02.047

  3. Oh, C., Price, J., Brindley, M.A., Widrlechner, M.P., Qu, L., McCoy, J.A., … Maury, W. (2011). Inhibition of HIV-1 infection by aqueous extracts of Prunella vulgaris L. Virology Journal, 8, Article 188. https://doi.org/10.1186/1743-422X-8-188

  4. Garrett, J.T. (2003). The Cherokee herbal: Native plant medicine from the four directions. Bear & Company.

  5. Tantaquidgeon, G. (2001). Folk medicine of the Delaware and related Algonkian Indians. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.


 

 

tags:


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