Self-heal AKA selfheal, heal-all, heal all
Prunella vulgaris
Self-heal is an edible and medicinal plant. It is anti-inflammatory and has been used to stop bleeding internally and externally. Self-heal is useful for stopping bleeding. The self heal plant has a lot of medicinal uses and is also edible. Fresh or dried leaves can be applied externally to stop bleeding, and a tea made from the leaves can be used to stop internal bleeding. You can use this plant for first aid to help heal wounds. Use it when foraging or any time really.
Self-heal is an introduced Eurasian plant that has become established and widely distributed around the world. It might be best known for its ability to stop bleeding, and it has a long history of use and old common names such as hook-heal and carpenter's herb from its use in healing wounds from shape-edged tools. Indigenous people across Canada have also used self heal medicinally.
Identification of Self-Heal
Self heal is a member of the mint family. Almost all members of the mint family have opposite leaves, square stems and irregular flowers. The lower leaves of heal all have longer stalks becoming stalkless going up the stem. The leaves are lance-shaped to oval-shaped with smooth or slightly toothed edges. The stem is hairless or slightly hairy. The flowers of heal-all are in terminal spikes or clusters. They are violet or purplish and occasionally pink or white. The upper lip of each flower is helmet-shaped, and the lower lip has three lobes with the middle lobe being fringed.
Self-Heal is Edible
The leaves of self heal can be eaten raw or cooked, but they are somewhat bitter.
Self-Heal Has Medicinal Uses
Self-heal is astringent meaning it contracts tissues, stops bleeding, and has been used to heal internal and external bleeding. A poultice of fresh or dried herb has been used to draw out infections, reduce inflammation and promote healing. Gargling or chewing the leaves has been done to treat sore throats and sooth inflammation of the mouth and gums. Other external uses include using self-heal on wounds, ulcers, sores and pink eye.
Some internal uses for self heal include using it to treat fevers, diarrhea, vomiting and to reduce blood pressure.
All of self heal is antibacterial and may inhibit the growth of disease causing bacteria, and it has also been used to destroy intestinal worms.
Distribution of Self-Heal
Self heal has a widespread distribution. Look for it at low to mid elevation in moist meadows, streambanks and lakeshores.
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Please consume wild plants at your own risk! Consult multiple reliable sources before consuming any wild plants! This video is for information and entertainment only!
References
Kloos, Scott. Pacific Northwest Medicinal Plants. Timber Press, Inc. 2017
MacKinnon, A. Edible and Medicinal Plants of Canada. Lone Pine Media Productions (BC) Ltd. 2014.
Parish, R.; Coupe, R.; and Lloyd, D. Plants of the Inland Northwest and Southern Interior British Columbia. BC Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing. 2018
Pojar, Jim and MacKinnon, Andy. Plants of Coastal British Columbia including Washington, Oregon & Alaska. BC Ministry of Forests and Lone Pine Publishing. 2004.