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    Home»Herbs and Spices»Self-heal-Prunella vulgaris
    Herbs and Spices

    Self-heal-Prunella vulgaris

    By s mSeptember 5, 2016Updated:August 20, 2017No Comments7 Mins Read
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    Self-heal-Prunella-vulgaris

    Self-heal commonly known as Prunella, Wound Root, Brunella, Woundwort, All Heal, Slough Heal, Dragonhead, Blue Curls, Hook-Heal, Hercules, Mountain selfheal, American self-heal, Lanceleaf selfheal, is an herbaceous flowering plant native to Europe, North America and Asia. This plant belongs to the family Lamiaceae /Labiatae.

    Self-heal has lance shaped leaves which grows upto 0.8-2.8 inches long. It has blue to violet flowers which attracts bees and butterflies. The plant yields flowers from April to June and bears fruit from June to August.

    History

    Self-heal was first noticed during Han dynasty in the Chinese medical literature for ailments related to disorganized liver energy. The herbalists of European regarded it as the wound herb. It is able to pause bleeding. The name Prunella is related to the power of treating mouth inflammation which is known as die Brellen.

    It is believed to possess antibacterial and antiseptic activities which effectively treat food poisoning. In Pacific Northwest, the juice was used by the Quileute and Quinault to cure boils. The plant was used to cure inflammation and cuts. It was fixed with grease to make an ointment. It was used in China as an herbal drink for treating minor disorders.

    Self-heal was once indicated as a Holy herb and was thought as sent by God to treat the ailments of beast or man. The tea made from the root was consumed to sharpen the observation power before going to hunting by Native American.

    Plant

    Prunella vulgaris is a fibrous rooted, herbaceous plant and grows to a height of about 2 feet. The stems are squarish with reddish stems. The leaves are lance shaped, ovate and 0.8-2.8 inches long. The flowers are blue to violet; 1- 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are two lipped. The upper lip of the flower is purple and the lower lip is white. The middle lobe among three lobes is large and fringed upward. The flowers turn into a smooth and egg-shaped fruit. The stalks are 5 cm (2 inches) long. It has reddish, light green and hairy calyx.

    Self-heal Image Gallery
    Illustration-of-Self-heal-plant Illustration-of-Self-heal-plant
    Leaves-of-Self-heal Leaves-of-Self-heal
    Self-heal-close-up-flower Self-heal-close-up-flower

    Self-heal-dried Self-heal-dried
    Self-heal-flower-bud Self-heal-flower-bud
    Self-heal-plant Self-heal-plant

    Health Benefits of Self-heal

    Self-heal is rich in antioxidants which helps to boost immune system. This herb helps to treat hypertension, vertigo, conjunctivitis and gout. This herb possesses hemostatic, demulcent, astringent, vulnerary, inflammatory, hypotensive, immunomodulator, modulator, diuretic and antiviral properties.

    1. Heals wounds

    Self-heal is used in Western herbalism to treat the wounds. It possess vulnerary, demulcent and astringent abilities which help to stabilize tissue and prevents the moisture of the skin. Self-heal helps to treat cuts, burns and scrapes. The internal use of Self heal is useful for throat and mouth ulcers.

    2. Treats viral infections

    Self-heal possess an antiviral properties which helps to encounter HPV, HIV and herpes simplex virus. The research shows that the ability to inhibit the virus helps to prevent the new outbreaks. It prevents the replication of virus which helps to stop the infections of virus such as herpes. The study also shows that Self-heal is also effective against HIV as it forbids the replication of virus.

    3. Cures respiratory infections

    Self-heal possess polysaccharides which balances the immune system. The regular intake of Self-heal assists the immune health and lowers the infections of upper respiration. Self-heal cures sore throats such as quinsy which is the result of abscess tonsils. The hot tea made from Self heal soothes the dry, irritated and scratchy throat.

    4. Soothes inflammation and allergies

    Self-heal is an immunomodulator which lowers the extreme response of immune systems such as chronic inflammation and seasonal allergies. The regular intake of Self heal tea lowers the symptoms of seasonal allergy.

    5. Strengthen kidneys

    Self-heal possess the kidney strengthening properties which promotes the functions of kidney. Along with strengthening properties, it acts as a diuretic which helps to drain dampness such as edema and also lowers high blood pressure.

    6. Heart ailments and diabetes

    Self-heal increases the sensitivity of insulin which prevents diabetes and effects of metabolic syndrome. Self-heal also has positive effect on cardiovascular system. It is used in Chinese medicine to reduce the blood pressure and has modulating properties on cardiovascular tissues.

    7. Cures headaches

    The Self-heal is used in Chinese medicine to treat signs of liver constraint and liver fire rising. Self-heal is used to treat the eye ailments such as conjunctivitis, red eyes and eye tearing.

    Traditional uses

    • In Pacific Northwest, the Quileute, Coast Salish and Quinault rubbed the juice on boils.
    • Mohegan, Delaware and Iroquois use it as a drink or body wash to lower fevers.
    • The plant was boiled to make a tea which is taken for heart.
    • Self-heal possess an antibiotic properties which helps to reduce blood pressure, increase urination and encounter tumors.
    • The tincture, ointment and infusion are used for topical application.
    • In Western medicine, Selfheal is used internally to treat hemorrhage and reduce extreme menstruation.
    • In Western medicine, it is applied externally for minor injuries, burns, sores, sore throat, bruises, mouth inflammations and hemorrhoids.
    • The juice of stem helps to calm minor bouts, nettle stings, poison ivy, stings and insect bites.
    • Self-heal contains acts as a diuretic which helps to heal tumors.
    • The decoction made from leaves helps to treat internal bleeding and sore throats.
    • It has anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties.
    • The European herbalists used Selfheal to cure wounds.
    • In Chinese medicine, it is used to treat liver ailments.
    • As Self-heal possess an antiviral properties, it is used in China as an anti-cancer drug.
    • The plant is used to treat cuts as well as inflammations.
    • The dried Self-heal is used as an herbal drink.
    • The poultice made from plant helps to treat irritated skin.
    • The herb is used to treat liver ailments, hepatitis, jaundice and liver weakness.
    • Self-heal is useful for internal bleeding, flatulence, diarrhea, gastritis and intestinal parasites.
    • In China, it is used as a tonic.
    • The flower heads and lower leaves are used to treat rheumatism and fevers.
    • It assists the function of liver and clear vision.
    • It helps to cure lumps in neck and also swollen glands.
    • The plant is used in New Zealand as an ointment for first aid.
    • The tea helps to treat fevers, sore mouth, diarrhea and internal bleeding.
    • The plant lowers blood pressure and tones stomach.

    Precautions     

    • The side effects such as dizziness, constipation and weakness.
    • It may be harmful for people with rheumatic diseases and poor gastrointestinal function.
    • The long use in high doses affects the liver health, and kidney and organs.
    • It might cause liver and kidney pain.
    • Self-heal herb may cause allergic reactions such as nausea, itching, vomiting and skin rash.

    How to Eat

    • The young leaves are added to soups, salads and stews.
    • The young leaves and shoots are added raw in salads, cooked as a potherb and added to soups as well as.
    • The cold water infusion made from fresh or powdered leaves is used as the beverage.
    • It is consumed as a substitute for spinach which is prepared in a big pot with a hog meat.
    • The mildly bitter leaves are used as salad greens.
    • It is also consumed in the form of tea.
    • Raw leaves are used as pot herb which has bitter taste.
    • The leaves are added to the mashed potatoes.

    References:

    https://plants.usda.gov/factsheet/pdf/fs_prvul2.pdf

    http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/prunella-vulgaris-selfheal

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_(plant)

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prunella_vulgaris

    https://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new03905.html

    http://www.cloverleaffarmherbs.com/self-heal/

    http://montana.plant-life.org/species/prunella_vulga.htm

    http://www.chineseherbshealing.com/prunella-vulgaris/

    http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-7.aspx

    https://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new03905.html

    http://www.ediblewildfood.com/self-heal.aspx

    http://www.herbalremediesadvice.org/self-heal-herb.html

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    Self heal Facts

    Self-heal Quick Facts
    Name: Self-heal
    Scientific Name: Prunella vulgaris
    Origin Europe, North America and Asia
    Colors Pale brown-brownish red (Fruit)
    Shapes Smooth, egg-shaped (Fruit)
    Taste Bitter, slightly pungent
    Health benefits Heals wounds, Treats viral infections, Cures respiratory infections, Soothes inflammation and allergies, Strengthen kidneys
    Name Self-heal
    Scientific Name Prunella vulgaris
    Native Europe, Eurasia and America
    Common Names Self-Heal, All Heal, Blue Curls, Brownwort, Brunelle, Brunelle Commune, Brunelle Vulgaire, Brunette, Carpenter’s Herb, Carpenter’s Weed, Charbonnière, Heal-All, Heart of the Earth, Herbe au Charpentier, Hercules Woundwort, Xu Ku Cao, Prunella, Panay, Hock-Heal, Petite Consoude
    Name in Other Languages Acre: Busuioc de câmp
    Australia: Brunella
    Azerbaijan: Adi bogazotu
    Chinese: Nǎi dōng (乃东), Xià kūcǎo (夏枯草), Xī jù(夕句), Yàn miàn (燕面), Tiě xiàn xià kūcǎo (铁线夏枯草), Tiě sè cǎo (铁色草), Mài xià kū(麦夏枯), Mài suì xià kūcǎo (麦穗夏枯草)
    Czech Republic: Cernohlávek obecný
    Danish: Almindelig Brunelle
    English: Carpenter’s Herb, carpenterweed, Common Self Heal, heal all, Hook-Heal, Self-heal, Sicklewort
    Finland: Niittyhumala
    Finnish: Niittyhumala
    French: Brunelle, Brunelle commune, brunelle vulgaire, Herbe au charpentier, Herbe Catois, primevére commune, prunelle, prunelle commune, prunelle vulgaire, prunellier commun
    German: Gemeine Brunelle, selfheal, kleine braunelle
    Icelandic: Blákolla
    Italian: Prunella commune
    Japanese: Kagoso
    Korean: Hagoch’o
    Netherlands: Bijenkorfje; gewone brunel
    Norwegian: Blåkoll
    Poland: Glowienka pospolita
    Romanian: Busuioc de camp, busuioc de cîmp
    Russian: Cernogolovka obyknovennaja, chernogolovka obyknovennaya  (черноголовка обыкновенная)
    Spain: Consuelda menor, betonica del pais
    Swedish: Brunört
    Turkey: Yara otu
    Plant Growth Habit Low, creeping, non-aromatic, herbaceous perennial
    Growing Climate Found growing in damp, wet environments, including riverbeds, damp pastures and lawns and forest margins particularly when modified and open, grasslands, woods, bare ground and wasteland
    Soil Moist, well-drained
    Plant Size About 30 to 40 cm or 1 to 2 feet high
    Stem Square, tough reddish colored stems
    Leaf Opposite pairs along the stem, and are measuring approx. 5 to 8 cm. long by about 2.5 cm. wide. Leaves are oval to lanceolate, untoothed or serrated. Petioles are generally short but can be up to 5 cm in lower leaves.
    Flowering Season April to June
    Flower Violet (rarely white or pink) and are two-lipped and tubular. The top lip is a concave purple hood. The bottom lip may be white, and has three lobes, with a larger fringed middle lobe. The corolla is 10-14 cm long.
    Seed Smooth, shiny, brown nutlets that are obovate, oblong, with a convex dorsal side and a roof-like ventral side. Each flower can produce 4 seeds.
    Seed Color Shiny Brown
    Taste Bitter, slightly pungent
    Season June-August
    Lifespan 3–10 years
    Plant Parts Used The whole herb
    Health Benefits
    • Heals wounds
    • Treats viral infections
    • Cures respiratory infections
    • Soothes inflammation and allergies
    • Strengthen kidneys
    • Heart ailments and diabetes
    • Cures headaches

    Self-heal Scientific Classification

    Scientific Name: Prunella vulgaris

    Rank Scientific Name & (Common Name)
    Kingdom Plantae (Plants)
    Subkingdom Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
    Superdivision Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
    Division Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
    Class Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
    Subclass Asteridae
    Order Lamiales
    Family Lamiaceae/Labiatae (Mint family)
    Genus Prunella L. (Selfheal)
    Species Prunella vulgaris L. (Common selfheal)
    Synonyms
    • Prunella aequinoctialis Kunth
    • Prunella algeriensis Noë
    • Prunella alpina Schur
    • Prunella angustifolia Wender.
    • Prunella asiatica var. albiflora (Koidz.) Nakai
    • Prunella australasica Moric. ex Buch.-Ham.
    • Prunella australis Sweet
    • Prunella browniana Penny ex G.Don
    • Prunella caerulea Gueldenst. ex Ledeb.
    • Prunella capitellata Beck
    • Prunella cordata Raf.
    • Prunella dissecta Wender.
    • Prunella elongata Douglas ex Benth.
    • Prunella fischeriana Buch.-Ham.
    • Prunella gracillicaulia A.P.Khokhr.
    • Prunella heterophyla Raf.
    • Prunella hirsuta Wender.
    • Prunella hirta Bernh. ex Steud.
    • Prunella incisa Link          
    • Prunella latifolia Donn
    • Prunella longifolia Pers.
    • Prunella mariquitensis Willd. ex Benth.
    • Prunella microphylla Raf.
    • Prunella novae-angliae Mill.
    • Prunella obtusifolia Raf.
    • Prunella officinalis Crantz
    • Prunella ovata Pers.
    • Prunella parviflora Lej.
    • Prunella pennsylvanica Bigelow
    • Prunella pennsylvanica var. ovata W.P.C.Barton
    • Prunella petiolaris Raf.
    • Prunella pratensis Schur
    • Prunella purpurea Gueldenst. ex Ledeb.
    • Prunella reptans Dumort.
    • Prunella reticulata Raf.
    • Prunella rosea Raf.
    • Prunella scaberrima auct.
    • Prunella sessilifolia Raf.
    • Prunella vulgaris f. vulgaris
    • Prunella vulgaris subsp. vulgaris
    • Prunella vulgaris var. albiflora Tinant
    • Prunella vulgaris var. atropurpurea Fernald
    • Prunella vulgaris var. calvescens Fernald
    • Prunella vulgaris var. capitellata (Beck) Nyman
    • Prunella vulgaris var. japonica Kudô
    • Prunella vulgaris var. leucantha Schur ex L.H.Bailey            
    • Prunella vulgaris var. parviflora (Lej.) Lej.
    • Prunella vulgaris var. recta Tinant
    • Prunella vulgaris var. vulgaris
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