Botanical Name:  Prunella vulgaris

Energetics:  Cooling, drying

Major Properties:  Astringent, antiviral, diffusive, demulcent, refrigerant, inflammatory modulator, immuno-modulator, vulnerary

Examples of Uses:  Wounds, ulcers, sore throat, hemorrhoids, allergies, moving lymph

Parts Used: Aerial parts

Preparations: Tincture, oil, dry, fresh edible

Personal Observations:

I have used self heal in blends for its antiviral properties and for digestion support with much success.  Doing further research here has confirmed for me what I’ve seen. We should all be considering using self heal more!

Some herbalists compare its healing to that of plantain, abe to draw out infections and promote healing.

Supports a healthy immune system.

Reduces excessive immune system response, may possibly ease seasonal allergies.

Research has shown it inhibits the binding activity of viruses, so may have effectiveness at stopping recurring localized viral infections such as herpes.

And lots more!  I’m going to be trying this one out more!

This brief overview merely highlights my observations.  There is, of course, a great deal of information that you can find on the Internet or in books.  Or better yet - get together with other herbalists and share your experiences!

Please add your own experiences so that together we can create a more comprehensive overview.

As always, if you have a chronic ailment that is not resolving itself or an acute issue, seek the attention of your physician.