Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris)

Common Names
  • Self-Heal
  • Heal-All
  • All-Heal
  • Woundwort
  • Hook-heal
  • Blue Curls
  • Slánlus (Irish)
  • Lus y Vea (Manx Gaelic – "herb of life")

Botanical Description

Self-Heal is a low-growing perennial herb found in meadows, woodlands, and grassy places throughout the UK and Isle of Man. It has square stems, opposite oval leaves, and small violet to purple flowers arranged in compact spikes. It belongs to the mint family (Lamiaceae) and is often considered a wild edible and medicinal herb with long traditional use.

It is resilient and creeping, thriving in disturbed ground and often overlooked, yet packed with healing properties.

Parts Used
  • Aerial parts (leaves, flowers, and stems)
  • Occasionally, whole plant when young
Constituents
  • Rosmarinic acid
  • Betulinic acid
  • Tannins (including astringent polyphenols)
  • Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin)
  • Caffeic acid
  • Triterpenoids
  • Vitamins A, C, and K
  • Mucilage
  • Essential oils (trace)
Actions
  • Astringent
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Lymphatic
  • Antiviral
  • Antioxidant
  • Vulnerary (wound healing)
  • Mild antibacterial
  • Mild immune modulating

Traditional Use

Self-Heal has a rich tradition in European folk medicine, used both internally and externally for wound healing, sore throats, mouth ulcers, and minor bleeding. It was once a staple of monastic herb gardens and a favourite of hedgewitches.

- Internal Use:
  • As a tea or tincture for sore throats, swollen glands, ulcers, mild fevers, and lymphatic sluggishness
  • Supports immunity and has been investigated for HSV (cold sore) activity
- External Use:
  • Used in compresses, washes, or salves for cuts, burns, bruises, insect bites, and wounds
  • Helpful for mild eczema and itchy skin

Equine Use

- Applications:
  • Used for minor cuts, grazes, skin irritations
  • Internally as a lymphatic tonic or anti-inflammatory herb
  • May support horses prone to sore throats or summer sores
- Delivery:
  • Aerial parts dried and powdered, or made into infusion added to feed
  • Used externally in wash or poultice for wound care
⚠ Cautions:
  • Generally safe, but introduce slowly as with all new herbs
  • Ensure plant is harvested away from treated fields

Canine Use

- Applications:
  • Used topically for wounds, insect bites, paw irritation
  • Internally as a gentle immune booster or for minor mouth/gum issues
  • May support dogs with seasonal immune responses or hot spots
- Delivery:
  • Tea or decoction added to food (cooled)
  • Dried herb can be added in small amounts to meals
  • Infused oil or ointment for skin application
⚠ Cautions:
  • Ensure correct identification – Self-Heal is safe, but avoid lookalikes in unknown areas
  • Avoid if on anticoagulants (mild tannins may interfere)

UK and Isle of Man Folklore

In traditional British and Celtic folklore, Self-Heal was known as a sacred plant of healing, believed to restore balance to the body and spirit. Its name, Heal-All, speaks to its historical role as a universal remedy, especially in rural communities with limited access to formal medicine.

On the Isle of Man, while no surviving specific tales mention it by name, it is widely thought to be one of the “fairy herbs” — discreet, humble, yet powerful. Some local herbalists refer to it as the “silent healer,” often included in mid-summer flower bundles for protective and restorative purposes.

It was sometimes strewn in thresholds or carried in charms to aid recovery or prevent harm from unseen forces.

Coat and skin

Inflamation

Seaweeds Commonly Used Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra)