Self-Heal (Prunella Vulgaris ), Also Known As: All Heal, Heart of the Earth, Sicklewort, Heal All, Hook Heal, Carpenter's Herb has such a plethora of uses that it really deserves to be a part of every herbal medicine chest.
Self heal made into a tea can be used to soothe the discomfort of sore throats, especially when mixed with honey. By extension it can also be used to ease the irritation of chest infections in general, such as bronchitis. The cold infusion of the herb can be used to soothe hot flashes.
It can be applied as a salve to speed the healing of injuries, and taken internally to improve healing from surgery and to speed the healing of internal injuries.
The herb is astringent, and is also suitable for haemorrhage, for which it can be taken internally and used externally. It can lower fevers, making it a fantastic herb for treating feverish colds and the dreaded influenza, especially where the illness has led to raised glands.
I suspect it may also have some uses in treating glandular fever as well. It can be used to return thyroid function to normal as it is an amphoteric thyroid herb.
Self Heal can be used to stimulate the immune system and soothe inflammatory responses that cause illness and pain. It can also be used to soothe allergic responses so I suspect it would probably combine well with Eyebright and Mullein in the treatment of hayfever and seasonal change related problems.
The herb can also be used for the digestive system, to relieve hepatitis, jaundice and simple diarrhoea. Some sources reckon it can also be used to improve the body's ability to cope with diabetes by having an action on the pancreas. The flowers in particular are apparently a liver restorative, though I've never used the flower tincture on its own.
In addition to all its other useful properties, the herb can be used to lower high blood pressure and resolve edema, and as a general kidney tonic as well as for haematuria.
As it has some pretty good anti viral properties, I can't help wondering if it could also be used as part of a prescription for those suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, especially where this was kicked off by a viral infection prior to the onset.
Because the herb stimulates the immune system and soothes inflammatory responses, it could possibly also be used as part of treatment for fibromyalgia.
Topically, because the plant has such a high mucilage content, it can be used to draw infection out of wounds. A spit poultice can be made of the plant if you are unlucky enough to be out and about when injury occurs, or a mortar and pestle can be used to break up the fresh herb.
In China, the herb is used as an anti cancer treatment as it has some anti mutagenic properties, as well as being anti-oxidant.
https://www.eldrumherbs.co.uk/content/content_files/profiles_self-heal_prunella-vulgaris.php?state=1
The Benefits of Prunella Vulgaris:
https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-benefits-of-prunella-vulgaris-88644
Mullein: The Medicinal Herb that Fights Infections & Inflammation:
https://draxe.com/mullein/
MEDICINAL QUALITIES OF EYEBRIGHT:
http://www.herballegacy.com/Hartzog_Medicinal.html
Nettle for Allergies: Relief That Is So Complete, It May Blow You Away...
https://www.freshbitesdaily.com/nettle-allergies/
https://www.drweil.com/vitamins-supplements-herbs/herbs/stinging-nettle/
https://www.organiclifestylemagazine.com/healing-allergy-inflammation-with-stinging-nettle
Dr. Axe: Benefits if Sarsaparilla:
https://draxe.com/sarsaparilla/
Hayfever/Allergy Tea Blend:
2 Parts Whole Self Heal Plant
1 Part Mullein leaf and flower
1 Part Eyebright herb
1 Part Wood Nettle or Stinging Nettle
1 Part Wild Sarsaparilla Leaf (Optional)
Mix the herbs together, store in sealed containers. To make tea, place 1 tablespoon herb blend in a cup, pour just boiled water over, and cover for 15-30 minutes. Strain, sweeten with honey, stevia, sucanat, coconut sugar, etc, and enjoy 2-3 times per day, as needed. You can also add a base tea of black, red or green tea for more flavor. Get creative, it's your medicine!
Alternatively, you can make large batches of the tea in a pot, allow to cool, strain and store in a half gallon jugs in the refrigerator. Enjoy the tea cold or re-warm it. Use within a week.
Self-Heal, An Herbalists Favorite Herb: Meet the Herbalist: Arthur Haines
http://www.herbstalk.org/blog/meet-the-herbalist-arthur-haines
Ancestral Plants Vol 2 By Arthur Haines: https://www.surthrival.com/products/ancestral-plants-vol-2-by-arthur-haines
