Scientific Name: Prunella vulgaris, Labiatae family
Common Names: Common Self-heal. self heal, all-heal, heal all, heart of the earthPrunella, Brunella, Self Heal, All Heal, Woundwort, Wound Root, Slough Heal, Blue Curls, Dragonhead, Hercules' Woundwort, Hook-Heal, Heart of the Earth, Carpenter's Herb, Dragonhead, Xia Ku Cao
Part used: leaf, stem, flower
Active Compounds: volatile oil, tannin, rutin, beta-carotene, sugar, cellulose, vitamin B-1, vitamin C, and vitamin K.
Background: Prunella was likely unknown in ancient Rome and Greece. Writings of its uses for treating liver problems, high blood pressure, and for conjunctivitis appear beginning in 204 B.C. during the Han Dynasty in China.It was referenced in Gerard's Herball of 1597, and herbalist Nicholas Culpepper's 1653 herbal.
Used for painful, red, or swollen eyes caused by viral, allergic or bacterial conjunctivitis or hypertension. Reduces swollen lymph glands, goiter, breast lumps, cancer and tumors. Used as a gargle for mouth sores and sore throat. Wound treatment (internal and external wounds). Used to control internal and external bleeding. Used to reduce hemorrhoids. Treats inflammatory diseases, mouth and throat ulcers, gastrointestinal problems, gynecological problems, diarrhea, hemorrhage, high blood pressure, colitis, and edema.
Affects lymphatic congestion to relieve swollen glands, mumps, and mastitis.
As an antiviral it is used to treat herpes, HIV, AIDS, cancer, diabetes, and leukemia and for lingering wounds. With the high incidence of herpes infection worldwide and broad use of antibiotic drugs, acyclovir-resistant strains of herpes viruses have emerged. According to clinical trials, Prunella lignin-carbohydrate complex may prove a useful anti-herpes treatment.
Externally used to treat wounds, bruising, scratches, insect bites, burns, ulcers, and sores. External use of Prunella may reduce scarring.
Description: Heal All is a creeping perennial 1-2 ft tall, native to Eurasia growing in temperate climates. Lance shaped leaves are serrated, reddish tip, 1 in. long and 1/2 in. wide growing on short stalks in opposing pairs on stem. Flowers grown out of a squarish, whirled cluster,above two stalk-less leaves and are double lipped tubular, the top hood is purple, bottom lip most often white. Leaves and small flowers are edible. Thrives in moist, well-drained soil in sunny areas and light shade. It has become a common and abundant wildflower. As a member of the mint family it should be noted that Prunella, however, is not minty in fragrance nor flavor. Prunella species are used by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora albitarsella as food plants.
Dosage:
Infusion: 1 oz. herb in 16 oz. water produces a general tonic. Infusion may be used for external treatment of wounds, skin irritations and conditions, and scalp conditions. A few drops added to distilled water can be used as a general eyewash and specifically for sties or conjunctivitis.
May be made into poltices for external application.
For educational purposes only This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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