August 27, 2002

SELF HEAL

Latin Name: Prunella vulgaris

Alternate Names: Heal-all, All Heal, Prunella, Woundwort, Hercules Woundwort, Sickle Herb, Carpenter's Herb, Dragonhead, Xu Ku Cao (Chinese), Blue Curls

Family: LAMIACEAE

Parts Used: Above ground portion.

Properties: Alterative, Antibacterial, Antiseptic, Antispasmodic, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hemostatic, Liver Stimulant, Styptic, Tonic, Vermifuge, Vulnerary.

Internal Uses: Acne, Bleeding, Colic, Conjunctivitis, Convalescence, Convulsions, Diarrhea, Diphtheria, Dysmenorrhea, Edema, Fever, Flatulence, Gastritis, Gout, Hemorrhage, Hemorrhoids, Hepatitis, Hypertension, Injury, Jaundice, Laryngitis, Liver Weakness, Lymphatic Congestion, Pharyngitis, Sore Throat, Vertigo, Worms, Wounds

Internal Applications: Tea, Tincture, Capsules.

Ursolic acid exhibits diuretic and anti-tumor activity.

Topical Uses: Bruises, Burns, Cuts, Gingivitis, Hemorrhoids, Leukorrhea, Mouth Sores, Rash, Sore Throat, Sprains, Thrush, Wounds

Topical Applications: Use as a poultice for hemorrhoids, rashes, bruises, burns, cuts, sprains and wounds. Mouthwash for sores, gum problems and thrush. Sore throat gargle. Salve herb. Eyewash. Douche for leukorrhea.

Culinary uses: Young plant can be eaten raw or cooked.

Energetics: Bitter, Pungent, Cool, Dry.

Chemical Constituents: Pentacyclic triterpenes (betulinic, oleanolic ursolic acids), essential oil, rutin, beta carotene, vitamins B-1, C and K, tannin.

Comments: The genus name Prunella is from the German brunellen which is the name for the mouth and throat inflammation that the herb cured - die Braüne, or Quinsy in English. It was used by the German Imperial armies to treat fever associated with brownish tongues. Its Chinese name literally means 'summer dry herb'. As the plant looks somewhat like an open mouth leading to the throat, this may have prompted its use as an herb for mouth and throat ailments. The herb also helps to cool conditions of an overheated liver.

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), August 27, 2002

Answers

-- Cheryl in KS (klingonbunny@planetkc.com), August 27, 2002.