Self-Heal Herb - Prunella Vulgaris
Spica prunella!
Aka - prunella vulgaris, selfheal, heal - all, wound wort, xia ku cao(Chinese)
Prunella is a wonderful and often forgotten herb. It has a long and beautiful history of use in both the western and eastern herbal modalities. It’s easy to grow and hardy. Lying slightly recumbent, it runs root shoots off of its leaves. It’s beautiful purple pink spikes are abundant - bees and pollinators love them. It blooms from June - October, likes shade and a moderate climate. Harvest is simple. Pluck a few of the blossom/spikes and let them dry. Once dry, store them in a cool dark place.
We’re not talking rocket science here. I enjoy it as a simple tea in the spring or anytime I feel my Liver yang ascending too much. I sip on throughout the day, adding more water as necessary. Its flavor pleasant, a little woody, with a hint of honey.
History
Oh, boy. It gets a bit messy here. There is debate as to where Prunella actually originated, but presently it is most commonly accepted as being native to Europe, Eurasia and America. Some people plant it as an ornamental and some view it as an invasive species that is ambling into their precious lawn. It does spread easily and is considered invasive in some regions - such as Hawaii and Pacific Islands. Several subspecies are listed as endangered. The point being, before you plant or forage a ton of it, know prunella’s nature in regards to your region.
Looking at Prunella through the lens of western herbalism
Think wounds, when you think of self-heal.
Prunella is anti-inflammatory, astringent, anti-ecchymotic (anti-itch), anti-diarrheal, and hemostatic. Making it a powerful tool in treating wounds, trauma to the flesh and bleeding (active or passive). Tinctures, teas and infusions of the herb blossom were drank or poultices pressed directly over the wounds, skin eruptions, rashes and hives. The fresh blossoms or a light tinctures were chewed for bleeding gums and mouth sores. Teas were drank by women to quell heavy and postpartum bleeding.
Eastern energetics and healing properties of Prunella (Xia Ku Cao, Chinese)
Cold and dry. Sweet, bitter and slightly pungent. Prunella sinks, dissolves, calms and astringes. It influences the Liver, Heart and Stomach.
Eastern functions of Xia Ku Cao
Clears Heat, inflammation, toxins, drains lymph — Use for fevers, mouth ulcers, edema, lymphatic congestion, hot and painful eyes, headaches, and rheumatic conditions. Used for any infections - whether bacterial or viral - HIV, shingles, hives, staph, and, yes, it helps with acute and long Covid. Love this stuff.
Circulates Qi, clears heat in Heart, Liver and Stomach — Improves circulation. Reduces anxiety, irritability, headache, ringing in the ears, clears Liver Yang rising (hypertension, anger, high blood pressure). Helps regulate blood sugar.
Astringes and stops discharge —Any bleeding pattern whether chronic or acute. Injury, ulcers, diarrhea, stings, bug bites.
Promotes tissue repair and reduces swelling and edema — Any wound, injury or swelling…grab the self-heal.
Contraindications - Those with weak digestive systems should use with caution.
Lifts cup of tea - Here’s to your self healing!
April
