Lamiaceae
Self Heal
Prunella vulgaris
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Asia, North America
Also known as: Common Self-heal, Heal All, Heart of the Earth, Carpenter's Herb
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
LeafFlower
Therapeutic Uses
Herpes simplex (topical cream — clinical trials reduce outbreak frequency/duration), viral infections, wound healing, sore throat, mild liver support. One of the most abundant medicinal weeds globally.
Herbal Actions
Antiviral (herpes simplex — topical and internal), antimicrobial, wound healer, astringent, anti-inflammatory, liver tonic
Active Constituents
Triterpenoids (ursolic acid, betulinic acid, rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (rutin, hyperoside, luteolin), polysaccharides, tannins, volatile oil
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture🧴 Salve/Balm
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 2 tsp dried herb per 250ml, steep 10 min, 3x daily |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 25% ethanol), 3x daily |
| Notes | For herpes: topical cream applied at first tingle, 4–5x daily during outbreak. Rosmarinic acid inhibits HSV attachment to cells. Fresh plant most potent — grows abundantly as lawn weed. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
None known
Contraindications: Very few contraindications. One of the safest herbs. No significant drug interactions.
Side Effects: Extremely rare adverse effects. Contact dermatitis possible. One of the safest medicinal plants.