A Little Gem and Versatile Herb
Common Names: Self-Heal, Heal-All, Carpenter’s Weed, Woundwort, Touch-and-Heal, Heart o’ the Earth
Parts Used: Aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers)
Nestled in meadows, lawns, and gardens, Prunella vulgaris—commonly known as self-heal—is a petite yet potent herb that often goes unnoticed. Often only reaching just a few inches tall, this unassuming plant boasts compact spikes of tubular purple flowers and remarkable potential. Revered across cultures as “heal-all,” self-heal lives up to its name with a wide array of benefits, from soothing wounds to supporting immune health.
A Botanical Treasure
Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, self-heal thrives in diverse habitats like open fields, meadows, and waste places, adapting to a variety of climates. Its small stature belies its powerful properties, which have been celebrated in traditional medicine for centuries.
Taste: Mildly reminiscent of rosemary, with a subtle minty undertone
Energetics: Cooling, dispersive, drying yet mucilaginous
Properties/Actions: Antioxidant, vulnerary, antiviral (herpes, HIV, coronaviruses), immune modulator, lymphatic, styptic, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, biofilm disrupter, demulcent, astringent, febrifuge, tonic
Tissue Affinities: Lymphatic system, vascular system, kidneys, liver
Safety Note: Generally safe, but frequent use may not be ideal for those with weak digestion, or during pregnancy/lactation, without consulting a healthcare provider.
How to Identify Self-Heal
Look for a low-growing plant, typically 4-12 inches tall, with square stems (a hallmark of the mint family). Its leaves are opposite, oval to lance-shaped, and slightly toothed, often with a soft, fuzzy texture. From late spring to early fall, self-heal produces dense spikes of tubular flowers, usually purple but sometimes pink or white. It thrives in grassy areas, lawns, and disturbed soils. Harvest the aerial parts during flowering.
Self-Heal for Everyday Wellness
Skin and Wound Care
Self-heal shines as a vulnerary and styptic herb, making it a go-to for skin health and minor injuries, especially paired with yarrow. Its antioxidant-rich profile, particularly due to rosmarinic acid, offers photoprotective benefits, shielding skin from UV-induced DNA damage and reducing the risk of cell damage. Use a poultice of fresh leaves on cuts, scrapes, or minor burns to promote healing and stop bleeding. Self-heal also soothes irritations like rashes or sunburn when applied as a wash, infused oil, or salve. Combine it with plantain or yarrow for a potent wound wash to cleanse and heal.
Antiviral Support
Self-heal’s antiviral properties make it helpful in the fight against infections. Studies highlight its effectiveness against herpes (including acyclovir-resistant strains), HPV, HIV, and even coronaviruses. It inhibits viral replication and disrupts biofilms, making microbes more vulnerable to the body’s defenses. A self-heal tincture or oxymel can be taken during cold and flu season to support immune health and combat viral threats.
Lymphatic and Immune Health
Self-heal supports the lymphatic system, often called the body’s “cleanup crew.” It helps alleviate lymphatic stagnation, addressing issues like edema, fibroids, cysts, or swollen lymph nodes. Traditionally, herbalists have used self-heal in treating conditions like goiters, lipomas, and mastitis. As an immune modulator, self-heal balances immune responses, reducing excessive reactions in allergies and chronic inflammation. Regular use of self-heal tea may lower the incidence of upper respiratory infections and ease seasonal allergy symptoms.
Respiratory Relief
Rich in immunomodulating polysaccharides (similar to astragalus), self-heal supports a healthy immune system and soothes respiratory complaints. Historically, it has been used to relieve sore throats, including infected tonsils. Sip a warm cup of self-heal tea at the first sign of a cold to coat and soothe a scratchy throat while supporting immune function.
Metabolic and Cardiovascular Support
Self-heal shows promise in managing metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Research indicates it may increase insulin sensitivity and inhibit carbohydrate-metabolizing enzymes, potentially lowering blood sugar levels. In studies with diabetic mice, the use of a self-heal extract reduced cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides while improving heart function and protecting against atherosclerosis. Though human studies are needed, these findings suggest that self-heal could support cardiovascular health.
Kidney and Urinary Health
Herbalists like William LeSassier prized self-heal for its kidney-strengthening abilities. Its mild diuretic properties help expel edema, reduce dampness, and may lower high blood pressure. A 2017 study also found that self-heal offers protective effects against diabetic renal dysfunction, potentially making it a good herb to support kidney health.
Cancer-Fighting Potential
Emerging research highlights self-heal’s anti-cancer properties. Studies show it may target thyroid cancer cells, as well as uterine, breast (due to anti-estrogenic effects), liver, and lung cancers. Its ability to modulate inflammation and support lymphatic flow also makes it a promising herb for breast cancer prevention and support, particularly for estrogen-dependent tumors.
Safety and Precautions
Self-heal is generally regarded as safe for most people, but there are a few considerations. Those with weak digestion may find its cooling and astringent nature too drying if used frequently. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should consult a healthcare provider before use, as its effects are not well-studied in these populations. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, particularly for those sensitive to the Lamiaceae family (e.g., mint, rosemary). Always harvest from clean, pesticide-free areas, and test a small amount topically or internally to ensure tolerance.
Simple Ways to Use Self-Heal
In recognizing the wondrous presence of self-heal, we cannot help but acknowledge the divine hand of God in bestowing upon us this remarkable herbal gift. How is self-heal used? It makes a wonderful cooling tea, can be used as a wound wash or compress, and can be made into a tincture, oxymel, infused oil, or salve.
Tea: Steep 1-2 tsp of dried aerial parts in hot water for 10-15 minutes to support immunity, respiration, or kidney health
Poultice: Crush fresh leaves and flowers, and apply directly to wounds, burns, or rashes for healing and to stop bleeding
Infused Oil: Infuse wilted aerial parts in oil for 3-4 weeks; use for skin care or as a base for salves
Salve: Combine infused oil with beeswax for a soothing balm for irritated skin
Wound Wash/Compress: Brew a strong tea to cleanse cuts or use as a compress for swollen lymph nodes
Tincture: Take a few drops to boost immunity or fight viral infections
Oxymel: Mix with honey and vinegar for a tasty immune tonic
Recipes
Self-Heal Oxymel
2 cups of wilted self-heal (leaves and flowers)
1/2 lemon, sliced with peel
1/2-1 cup raw honey
Organic raw apple cider vinegar
Place self-heal and lemon slices in a pint jar. Add honey, then fill with apple cider vinegar. Seal with a plastic lid (to avoid corrosion), swirl gently, and infuse in a cool, dark place for 2-4 weeks. Strain through a fine mesh strainer. Store in the refrigerator for up to 6 months. Take 1 Tbsp 2-3 times daily during cold/flu season, diluted in water if desired. Supports immunity and fights viral infections.
Cooling Sun Tea
2 Tbsp fresh self-heal (leaves and flowers, chopped)
2 Tbsp fresh lemon balm leaves (chopped)
1 tsp dried rosehips (optional)
1 quart water
Place herbs in a quart jar, fill with water, and cover. Let sit in the sun for 4-6 hours. Strain through a fine mesh strainer and store in the refrigerator. Drink within 48 hours. A refreshing tea to cool inflammation, support immunity, and ease sore throats.
Daily Moisturizing Oil
1 cup carrier oil (jojoba, argan oil, or grapeseed oil)
1/2 cup wilted self-heal (leaves and flowers)
1 1/2 tsp rosemary antioxidant extract (optional)
1/2 tsp wild carrot seed oil (optional)
Place wilted self-heal in a pint jar, cover with carrier oil, and infuse for 3-4 weeks in a cool, dark place, shaking gently every few days. Strain through cheesecloth or muslin. Add optional oils, stir well, and transfer to a dropper or pump bottle. Apply a small amount to your face and neck daily. Protects and moisturizes skin, reducing UV damage and irritation.
Gift of Healing
Self-heal may be small, but its impact is profound. Whether supporting your immune system, healing your skin, or balancing your body, this herb offers a gentle yet powerful approach to wellness. Pair it with complementary herbs like plantain, yarrow, or lemon balm to enhance its effects. The next time you spot its purple blooms in your garden or a nearby meadow, take a moment to gather a little to experience how it is one that truly lives up to its name, “heal-all.”
References
Young, Devon. The Backyard Herbal Apothecary: Effective Medicinal Remedies Using Commonly Found Herbs & Plants. Page Street, 2019.
Yu, F., et al. (2021). The antitumour effect of Prunella vulgaris extract on thyroid cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Lin, Y., et al. (2020). Characterization and anti-uterine tumor effect of extract from Prunella vulgaris L. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies.
Luo, H., et al. (2022). An in vivo and in vitro assessment of the anti-breast cancer activity of crude extract and fractions from Prunella vulgaris L. Heliyon.
Zhao, J., et al. (2018). Oral administration of Prunella vulgaris L improves the effect of taxane on preventing the progression of breast cancer and reduces its side effects. Frontiers in Pharmacology.
Kim, S., et al. (2012). The aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris suppresses cell invasion and migration in human liver cancer cells by attenuating matrix metalloproteinases. American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
Feng, L., et al. (2010). Identification of two polysaccharides from Prunella vulgaris L. and evaluation on their anti-lung adenocarcinoma activity. Molecules.
Feng, L., et al. (2010). Chemoprevention by Prunella vulgaris L. extract of non-small cell lung cancer via promoting apoptosis and regulating the cell cycle. Asian Pacific Journal of Cancer Prevention.
Psotova, J., et al. (2006). Photoprotective properties of Prunella vulgaris and rosmarinic acid on human keratinocytes. Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology.
Vostalova, J., et al. (2010). Prunella vulgaris extract and rosmarinic acid prevent UVB-induced DNA damage and oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes. Archives of Dermatological Research.
Zhang, Q., et al. (2021). Polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates from spica of Prunella vulgaris: Chemical profile and anti-herpes simplex virus activities. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
Ao, Z., et al. (2021). Identification and evaluation of the inhibitory effect of Prunella vulgaris extract on SARS-coronavirus 2 virus entry. PLoS One.
Hwang, S.M., et al. (2012). Anti-diabetic atherosclerosis effect of Prunella vulgaris in db/db mice with type 2 diabetes. American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
Yu, Q., et al. (2015). Pentacyclic triterpenoids from spikes of Prunella vulgaris L. inhibit glycogen phosphorylase and improve insulin sensitivity in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Phytotherapy Research.
Raafat, K., et al. (2016). Prunella vulgaris L. active components and their hypoglycemic and antinociceptive effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy.
Namgung, S., et al. (2017). Prunella vulgaris attenuates diabetic renal injury by suppressing glomerular fibrosis and inflammation. American Journal of Chinese Medicine.
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