This wonderful herbal plant has many names: heal-all, selfheal and brunella. The official Latin name is Prunella Vulgaris.
Heal-all is native to Europe, but is also found in many countries around the world with a temperate climate. It can grow to be about 50 cm (20 inches) tall.
The two-lipped purple flowers blossom from all through the summer. Heal-all has a square stem.
This is a hardy perennial plant and well worth including in your herb garden. It can become somewhat invasive.
Heal-all likes both a sunny spot and light shade. This herb prefers moist and well-drained soil.
If you want to try growing heal-all in your garden you can sow the seeds either in the fall or in the spring.
This is not a common culinary herb. The leaves of the plant are edible, but do have a bitter taste. Many enjoy adding heal-all leaves to their salads or soups.
Heal-all is used in herbal medicine.
Many also use this plant as an ornament. Heal-all is a beautiful flower to use in dried flower decorations.
Cut the flowers in late autumn and hang to dry. You could use them to make beautiful homemade gifts that have not cost you a cent.
In Herbal Medicine
In herbal medicine the leaves and flowers are used. Cut the plants during the summer and dry them.
Dried heal-all is used to make tinctures and ointments.
As the name implies this herb stimulates healing. It is anti-bacterial and helps fight bacterial infections in the body.
Heal-all is believed to be antiviral. Herbalists recommend heal all in lowered immunity and allergies.
This herb is traditionally used in cases of swollen glands and the mumps.
Many women report it helps release the discomforts of heavy menstrual bleeding.
It is also diuretic.
Externally heal-all is used to treat minor wounds. Heal-all tea made from the fresh plant can be used to reduce swelling and stop bleeding of minor wounds.
Heal-all tea is used as a gargle for sore throats and bleeding gums.
To make the tea use 1-2 teaspoons dried heal-all per cup. Let the infusion sit for about 10 minutes.
You may also enjoy drinking a cup of heal-all tea. Many do recommend adding a little honey to the tea for a better taste.
John Gerard (1545-1611) who was an herbalist wrote the following concerning heal-all /selfheal: “There is not a better wounde herb in the world”.
You may agree or disagree, but heal-all certainly deserves some attention.
