Self Heal Seeds

Common Names
Self Heal, Heal All, All Heal

Botanical Name
Prunella vulgaris

Plant Family
Lamiaceae (Mint Family)

Native Range
North America, Europe, Asia

Life Cycle
Perennial

Hardiness Zone
4-9

Habit
Self Heal is low growing, usually 6-8 inches in the wild, sometimes sprawling. In the garden it will grow to be over two feet tall in bloom with an abundant show of it’s unique purple flowers. It spreads by shallow rhizomes but does not spread invasively.

Sun/Soil
Likes a partly sunny spot with plenty of moisture but also does fine in most other conditions.

Germination/Sowing
Seeds germinate easily and can be direct sown in fall or spring, or started in flats and transplanted out.

Growing/Care
Plants can be cut back after flowering.

Harvesting
The aerial parts can be used fresh or dried. They are best harvested in full sun, and in early to late-bloom which is usually June though July on the Coast, but the leaves can be used fresh as a poultice at any stage of growth if needed.

Culinary Uses
Self Heal greens can be eaten as a pot herb.

Medicinal Uses
Considered a generally cooling and strengthening tonic, Self Heal is good for clearing the body of liver heat and is useful in liver support formulas; the liver being the master of integration and assimilation in the body. It is lovely combined with equal parts peppermint and yarrow for a liver cooling infusion. 

Self Heal is a great first aid plant to have in the garden, it’s astringent and antibacterial actions help speed wound healing. It makes a great fresh poultice for bites and stings. The tea or tincture can be taken to help sore throats, fevers, and diarrhea. It can be used as a mouth rinse or gargle for canker sores or mouth ulcers. 

Themes
Native Plant Garden, Apothecary Garden, Woodland Garden, Drought Tolerant, Attracts Pollinators, Container Garden, Wild Foraging, Cut Flowers.