Prunella Vulgaris Flower Self-Heal Tea Traditional Health Drink Used For Wounds

A lovely native ‘weed’, belonging to the Mint family, Prunella vulgaris, has a wide distribution and is found over most of the northern hemisphere. North American Blackfoot Indians would use an infusion on both humans and horses, as an eyewash on cold or windy days. It is also used on burst boils on humans and for saddle sores on horses. One of the plants other common names is Woundwort. The leaves and stems are felt to be antibacterial, astringent, diuretic, anti-tumour, and a powerful antioxidant. The flower spikes have been used for centuries to restore the liver and modern research has suggested that the inflorescences do possess hepatoprotective properties. Self-Heal may protect against hardening of the arteries. An 8-week study fed diabetic mice a diet high in fat and cholesterol and gave half of them Prunella vulgaris extract, these mice had lower total blood cholesterol, whilst this study suggest benefits, no studies have yet been done on humans.

It goes without saying that if you're pregnant (or are under the doctor for anything) caution should be exercised with herbal decoctions.