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Self Heal
Prunella vulgaris
http://mung.pittsfieldrr.net/
Latin Name:
Family: LAMIACEAE
Alternate
Names: Heal-all, All Heal, Prunella,
Woundwort, Hercules Woundwort, Sickle Herb, Carpenter's Herb,
Dragonhead, Xu Ku Cao (Chinese), Blue Curls.
Parts Used:
Above ground portion.
Properties:
Alterative, Antibacterial, Antiseptic,
Antispasmodic, Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Cholagogue, Diuretic,
Febrifuge, Hemostatic, Liver Stimulant, Styptic, Tonic, Vermifuge,
Vulnerary.
Internal Use:
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
Application: Tea, Tincture, Capsules, Ursolic acid exhibits
diuretic and anti-tumor activity.
Topical Use:
Bruises, Burns, Cuts, Gingivitis, Hemorrhoids,
Leukorrhea, Mouth Sores, Rash, Sore Throat, Sprains, Thrush, Wounds
Topical
Application:
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 use:
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.
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