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Selfheal

Prunella vulgaris

Please keep in mind that it is illegal to uproot a plant without the landowner's consent and care should be taken at all times not to damage wild plants. Wild plants should never be picked for pleasure and some plants are protected by law.
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Plant Profile
Similar Species
Other Information
Distribution Map

Flowering Months:

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC

Order:

Lamiales

Family:

Lamiaceae (Dead-nettle)

Also in this family:

Annual Woundwort, Apple Mint, Balkan Clary, Basil Thyme, Bastard Balm, Betony, Bifid Hemp-nettle, Black Horehound, Breckland Thyme, Bugle, Catmint, Common Calamint, Common Hemp-nettle, Corn Mint, Corsican Mint, Cut-leaved Dead-nettle, Cut-leaved Germander, Cut-leaved Selfheal, Downy Woundwort, False Apple Mint, Field Woundwort, Garden Catmint, Garden Clary, Ginger Mint, Ground Ivy, Ground-pine, Gypsywort, Hedge Woundwort, Henbit Dead-nettle, Horse Mint, Lamb's-ear, Large Thyme, Large-flowered Hemp-nettle, Lemon Balm, Lesser Calamint, Lesser Skullcap, Limestone Woundwort, Marjoram, Marsh Woundwort, Meadow Clary, Northern Dead-nettle, Pennyroyal, Peppermint, Pyramidal Bugle, Red Dead-nettle, Red Hemp-nettle, Rosemary, Round-leaved Mint, Sharp-leaved Mint, Skullcap, Somerset Skullcap, Spearmint, Spotted Dead-nettle, Sticky Clary, Tall Mint, Variegated Yellow Archangel, Wall Germander, Water Germander, Water Mint, White Dead-nettle, White Horehound, Whorled Clary, Whorled Mint, Wild Basil, Wild Clary, Wild Thyme, Wood Calamint, Wood Sage, Yellow Archangel

Type:

Flower

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Maximum Size:

50 centimetres tall

Habitats:

Disturbed ground, fields, grassland, lawns, meadows, roadsides, waterside, wetland, woodland.

Flower:

✿

Purple, 2 petals

Selfheal displays clusters of violet-purple, hooded flowers that bloom from June to September. Each flower has a two-lipped structure typical of the mint family, with the upper lip forming a protective hood and the lower lip acting as a landing platform for insects. The flowers are arranged in dense, cylindrical spikes at the tips of the stems and are particularly attractive to bees, especially bumblebees.

Fruit:

The fruit consists of four small nutlets hidden within the persistent calyx after flowering. These nutlets contain the seeds and are dispersed as the plant dies back or through disturbance by animals and rainfall. Selfheal often spreads more reliably via creeping stems (stolons), allowing it to form mats in grassy habitats.

Leaves:

The leaves of Prunella vulgaris are oval to lance-shaped, with short stalks and a slightly hairy texture. They grow in opposite pairs along square stems and are medium green with smooth or slightly toothed edges. The low-growing, creeping form makes it well-suited to lawns, meadows, and woodland clearings.

Fragrance:

Selfheal is not known for its scent. The flowers have a faint, slightly sweet aroma but are not strongly fragrant. Crushed leaves may release a subtle green, herbaceous smell, but overall, the plant is more valued for its beauty and healing properties than its fragrance.

Other Names:

Aleutian Selfheal, All Heal, American Selfheal, Blue Curls, Brownwort, Brunella, Carpenter Weed, Carpenter's Herb, Common Selfheal, Heal-all, Heart-of-the-Earth, Hock Heal, Hook-heal, Lance Selfheal, Lanceleaf Selfheal, Prunella, Sicklewort, Slough-heal, Woundwort.

Frequency (UK):

Common

Wild Basil

Summary

Prunella vulgaris, also known as Self-heal, Heal-all, or All Heal, is a perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It is commonly found in moist meadows, forest clearings, and along roadsides. The plant has opposite leaves and small, two-lipped, purple-blue flowers that grow in spikes. It is known for its medicinal properties, particularly for its ability to heal wounds and soothe sore throats. The leaves and stems of the plant can be made into a tea or tincture, and the dried leaves can also be used to make a poultice. It is considered as a common species in many areas, however, it is considered of conservation concern in some regions.

Blog

Selfheal, or Prunella vulgaris, is a flowering plant that is known for its medicinal properties. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, from wounds to headaches. In this blog, we will take a closer look at Selfheal and its potential benefits.

Description and Distribution

Selfheal is a perennial plant that is found in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, North America, and Australia. It grows in a variety of habitats, such as grasslands, woodlands, and meadows, and can reach a height of up to 50 cm. The plant has square stems, opposite leaves, and purple-blue flowers that bloom from June to September.

Medicinal Properties

Selfheal has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Chinese and European herbal medicine. The plant contains a variety of compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and rosmarinic acid, which are believed to be responsible for its medicinal properties.

Anti-inflammatory properties: Selfheal has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, which may make it useful for treating a variety of conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Antioxidant properties: The plant is also a potent antioxidant, which means that it can help to protect the body against the damaging effects of free radicals.
Wound healing: Selfheal has been used for centuries to treat wounds, cuts, and bruises. It is believed to help speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.
Digestive health: Selfheal has also been used to treat digestive issues, such as diarrhea, bloating, and indigestion. It is believed to help soothe the digestive tract and reduce inflammation.
Immune system support: Some studies have suggested that Selfheal may help to boost the immune system, which could make it useful for preventing or treating infections.

How to Use Selfheal

Selfheal can be used in a variety of ways, including as a tea, tincture, or poultice. Here are some common methods of using Selfheal:

Tea: To make Selfheal tea, steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Selfheal in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Drink 2-3 cups per day.
Tincture: Selfheal tincture can be made by soaking the plant in alcohol for several weeks. The resulting liquid can be taken in small doses.
Poultice: To make a Selfheal poultice, crush the fresh leaves and apply them directly to the affected area. Cover with a clean cloth and leave for 1-2 hours.

Precautions

While Selfheal is generally considered safe, there are some precautions to keep in mind. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should consult with a healthcare provider before using Selfheal. Additionally, Selfheal may interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to a healthcare provider before using it if you are taking any prescription medications.

In conclusion, Selfheal, or Prunella vulgaris, is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries to treat a variety of conditions. While more research is needed to fully understand its medicinal properties, it may be a useful natural remedy for inflammation, wound healing, digestive health, and immune system support. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using any herbal remedies.

Traditional Uses

Selfheal has a long history of use in traditional medicine. In Chinese medicine, it is known as Xia Ku Cao and is used to treat a variety of conditions, including fevers, sore throat, and liver and gallbladder problems. In European herbal medicine, it has been used to treat everything from headaches and menstrual cramps to skin conditions and respiratory infections.

Modern Research

While much of the research on Selfheal has been in animals or in vitro, there are some promising findings that suggest it may have medicinal properties. For example:

In a study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology, researchers found that Selfheal extract had anti-inflammatory effects in mice with colitis.
A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food found that Selfheal had antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and was able to reduce oxidative stress in rats.
In a study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, researchers found that Selfheal extract had antimicrobial properties, and was able to inhibit the growth of several types of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.

These studies suggest that Selfheal may have potential as a natural remedy for a variety of conditions. However, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential uses.

Culinary Uses

In addition to its medicinal properties, Selfheal has culinary uses as well. The young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked, and have a slightly bitter taste. The plant has also been used to make tea, and the flowers can be used to make wine or infused in honey.

In conclusion, Selfheal, or Prunella vulgaris, is a versatile plant that has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. While more research is needed to fully understand its medicinal properties, it may be a useful natural remedy for inflammation, wound healing, digestive health, and immune system support. Additionally, it has culinary uses and can be a nutritious addition to the diet.

More about Selfheal...

Here are some more interesting facts about Selfheal:

Selfheal has many common names, including heal-all, heart-of-the-earth, and woundwort.
The plant has a long history of use in folk medicine. In medieval Europe, it was believed to have magical properties and was used as a cure-all for a variety of ailments.
The name "Prunella" is derived from the German word "brunelle," which means "quinsywort" or "throatwort." This is because Selfheal was traditionally used to treat sore throats and other respiratory issues.
Selfheal is a member of the mint family, and its leaves have a minty flavor.
The plant is attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, and is often grown in gardens to attract them.
In some cultures, Selfheal is believed to have spiritual properties and is used in ceremonies or rituals.
Selfheal is considered an invasive species in some parts of the world, including North America, where it can crowd out native plants.
Selfheal is a perennial plant, which means it lives for more than two years.
The plant is native to Europe and Asia, but has now naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America.
The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including rosmarinic acid, which is believed to be responsible for many of its medicinal properties.
In traditional Chinese medicine, Selfheal is believed to have cooling properties and is used to clear heat and toxins from the body.
Selfheal has been used topically to treat wounds, burns, and other skin conditions, as it is believed to have antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
The plant has been used in alternative medicine to support immune system health, improve digestion, and relieve menstrual cramps.
Selfheal is often found growing in meadows, along roadsides, and in other disturbed areas.

In conclusion, Selfheal, or Prunella vulgaris, is a resilient and versatile plant with a long history of use in traditional medicine. Its many bioactive compounds and potential health benefits make it a promising area of study for modern medicine, and its culinary uses add to its appeal as a natural remedy. However, as with any herbal remedy, it is important to use caution and consult with a healthcare provider before use.

Video

Selfheal filmed in Orford, Suffolk on the 29th June 2022.

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Reproduced by kind permission of the BSBI.

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