Are you tired of relying on pharmaceuticals for every minor ailment? Look no further than the self-heal plant, a natural remedy that has been used for centuries. This powerful herb has a long list of health benefits, including immune system support and wound healing. In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating world of self-heal and how you can incorporate it into your health and wellness routine. Keep reading to discover the incredible healing properties of this remarkable plant.
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) has been used for centuries in folk medicine. It is easy to find in the Ozarks when it starts blooming in early Summer. Look for the small purple flowers on a small plant 12-18 inches tall. They are common along roadsides, fence rows, field edges, and other places where growing conditions are favorable.
Usually, when you find self-heal you will find a great number of plants. This is because, in addition to reproducing by seeds, this plant also has the ability to spread by rooting anywhere the stem touches the ground.
It is known by many other names. A few of them include:
- Brownwort
- Carpenter’s Herb
- All Heal
- Wound wort
- Blue Curls
Self-heal has been used since ancient times both for food and medicinal purposes. Native Americans cooked and ate the young leaves. The whole plant is edible, so it can be added to dishes, or used as a potherb. The leaves and flowers can be dried and used to make tea which is said to help reduce inflammation in the body and help repair the digestive system. It was used in medieval times to treat wounds and also to prevent biofilms in the oral cavity that lead to tooth damage and gingivitis. Modern medicine is finding some of these folk uses to have merit, but more studies are needed. Below are a few of the purported benefits of self-heal. To read more about this plant follow the link.
Self-heal Culinary Uses
As mentioned, this plant in the mint family has been used throughout historical times for food. Native Americans would cook the leaves and consume them along with other wild plants. The entire plant is edible and the taste has been described as similar to romaine lettuce.
The plant blooms from May to August which makes it much easier to identify. The younger plants are the most desirable as far as taste is concerned. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be used raw in salads, as well as added to dishes where greens are desirable. They can be cooked and eaten alone too.
The leaves and flowers are also gathered, dried, and crushed into a powder to make an appetizing tea that is both tasty and has benefits for your health.
The plant contains Vitamins A, C, and K. It also contains amounts of thiamine, a B complex vitamin, as well as flavonoids, tannins, and rutin. This may explain the astringent effects of the plant as well as the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Gathering and consuming this plant can be good for your health, and it has a low-risk profile for most people as far as allergies are concerned. Some people have reported being allergic, so don’t use it if you have allergies to plants in the mint family. It should also be avoided by women who are pregnant or nursing.
Recipes For Self Heal
Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as self-heal, is a versatile plant that can be used in many recipes. Here are three recipes that showcase the unique flavor of prunella vulgaris:
Prunella Vulgaris Pesto
Ingredients:
- 2 cups packed prunella vulgaris leaves
- 1/2 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Toast the pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Set aside to cool.
- In a food processor, combine the prunella vulgaris leaves, toasted pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped.
- While the food processor is running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This pesto can be used as a dip, spread, or sauce for pasta or meat dishes.
Prunella Vulgaris Tea
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup fresh prunella vulgaris leaves
- 2 cups boiling water
- Honey to taste
Instructions:
- Place the prunella vulgaris leaves in a teapot or infuser.
- Pour the boiling water over the leaves and let steep for 5-10 minutes.
- Strain the tea and sweeten it with honey to taste.
This tea is great for soothing sore throats and aiding digestion.
Prunella Vulgaris Salad
Ingredients:
- 2 cups mixed greens
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh prunella vulgaris leaves
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the mixed greens, prunella vulgaris leaves, strawberries, feta cheese, and walnuts.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the balsamic vinegar and olive oil.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
This salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner and is packed with nutritious ingredients.
Medicinal Uses Of Self-heal
Self-heal has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some of the first uses were for wound healing. It was used by medieval soldiers as a mouth rinse to help heal ulcers and prevent mouth sores from a lack of proper oral hygiene. It is still used in tea form as a home remedy for sore throat, tonsil abscesses, and other mouth conditions such as ulcers or bleeding gums.
It has astringent properties which make it useful for skin conditions such as acne. It has antiviral properties and has been used as a treatment for Herpes Simplex Type 1 (cold sores), and Herpes Simplex Type 2 (genital herpes). Studies have shown that it blocks the sites that viruses use to enter the cell, so they can’t invade the cell and use it to make copies of themselves. This can be of great benefit when you are fighting a cold or the flu.
It has styptic properties which means when applied to wounds it helps to stop bleeding. It encourages cell regeneration, so it helps with wound healing too.
The anti-inflammatory properties of Self-heal can help decrease inflammation in the body when taken internally whether consumed raw or as a tea. Since inflammation has been linked to many disease processes having a natural anti-inflammatory you can turn to can help to keep you healthy.
Another helpful effect of this amazing herb is that it stimulates the lymphatic system. This can help you when you have swollen lymph nodes due to illness. It helps just as well to promote the movement of excess fluid from the lower extremities. When you add this to the astringent and diaphoretic properties you get effects that can help you eliminate excess fluid from your body, which can help to lower your blood pressure too.
We talked above about the antiviral properties, but I failed to mention that it also has antibacterial properties. This can prevent infections in wounds and other sores. It has been shown to help prevent biofilm formation, so it is helpful to prevent tooth plaques and the tooth decay and gingivitis that accompany it.
One of the most well-known uses of Self Heal is for its ability to boost the immune system. It contains antioxidants, flavonoids, and other compounds that help to fight off infections and reduce inflammation in the body. Self Heal can be used to treat a variety of ailments, including colds, flu, sore throat, and fever.
To prepare Self Heal for medicinal use, the leaves and flowers are typically dried and made into a tea or infusion. To make a tea, simply steep a handful of dried Self Heal leaves and flowers in hot water for 5-10 minutes. For a more concentrated infusion, simmer the plant material in water for 20-30 minutes before straining.
Self Heal can also be used topically to treat skin conditions such as cuts, burns, and rashes. A poultice can be made by crushing fresh or dried Self Heal leaves and applying them directly to the affected area. The herb’s anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties can help to speed up the healing process and reduce the risk of infection.
In addition to its immune-boosting and skin-healing properties, Self Heal has also been shown to have antiviral and anticancer effects. The herb’s active compounds have been studied for their potential to inhibit the growth of certain viruses and cancer cells.
While Self Heal is generally considered safe for most people, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before using it medicinally, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking any medications.
Conclusion
As you can see, this common herb has a host of beneficial properties that you can make use of. As always, be sure you can be totally confident of your identification before attempting to make use of any wild plants. Some plants have toxic look-alikes that can make you ill or cause death.
If you want to see more information on other wild edible and medicinal plants that are found in the Ozarks you can read some of our other articles. Links are below:
To read more about this plant follow the link. Be sure and check out our list of articles to discover a wealth of information on other wild edible and medicinal plants.
Disclaimer: This article should not be construed as medical advice. The health information in this article is not intended to assess, diagnose, prescribe, or promise a cure for any medical condition. Consult with your health care professional before considering any natural supplement or plant remedy for your health and wellness. We assume no liability for the use or misuse of the material.
FAQs:
Q: Why is it called the self-heal plant?
A: The self-heal plant is named after its traditional use in herbal medicine as a remedy for a wide range of ailments, including wounds and sore throats. It was believed that the plant had the ability to “heal itself” and thus gained the name “self-heal.”
Q: Is there a plant that looks like self-heal?
A: Yes, there are a few plants that may be mistaken for self-heal. Some examples include red dead nettle, henbit, and ground ivy. However, these plants can be distinguished by their leaves, flowers, and growth habits.
Q: Is self-heal annual or perennial?
A: Self-heal is a perennial plant, meaning it will continue to grow year after year.
Q: Is self-heal plant invasive?
A: No, self-heal is not considered an invasive species. It is a common wildflower found in many regions and is often used in naturalized garden settings.
Q: What can you do with self heal plants?
A: Self heal plants have a variety of uses, including medicinal, culinary, and cosmetic. The leaves and flowers can be used to make teas, tinctures, salves, and more. They can also be added to salads and other dishes for their nutritional value.
Q: What is the medicinal value of self heal?
A: Self heal has been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat a variety of conditions, including wounds, sore throats, diarrhea, and more. It contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds, which may help to reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Q: What are the health benefits of self heal plants?
A: Some potential health benefits of self heal plants include improved immune function, reduced inflammation, and improved digestion. It may also have antiviral and antibacterial properties.
Q: How can you use self heal medicinally?
A: Self heal can be used medicinally in a variety of ways, including as a tea, tincture, or salve. It can be used topically for wound healing, or taken internally to help with digestive issues, sore throats, and more.
Q: Is self heal flower edible?
A: Yes, self heal flowers are edible and can be added to salads or other dishes for their nutritional value.
Q: How do you eat self heal herbs?
A: Self heal leaves and flowers can be eaten raw in salads, or cooked in dishes such as soups and stews. They can also be used to make tea or infused in oil to make a topical salve.