Prunella vulgaris seeds

Description

Prunella vulgaris is an edible herbaceous plant in the genus Prunella. This species also goes by the names Common Self-heal, Heal-all, Allheal, and Woundwort.  Prunella vulgaris is a short growing plant that ranges in height from 2 to 12 inches (5 to 30 centimeters).  Prunella vulgaris produces tubular flowers that are two lipped.  The upper lip is a purple hood and the bottom lip is often white.  The flowers attract both butterflies and bumblebees.  Prunella vulgaris will spread via creeping and self-rooting stems.

The young leaves and steams of Prunella vulgaris can be eaten raw in salads.  The whole plant can be boiled and eaten as a potherb.  Also, the aerial parts of Prunella vulgaris can be powdered and brewed in a cold infusion to make a beverage.  The Prunella vulgaris plant contains vitamins A, C and K.

A poultice made from the plant has been used to treat irritated skin and in emergencies used to pack wounds in the absence of other medical supplies.  The plant has been used to treat inflammation of the mouth and as a gargle for sore throats.  Prunella vulgaris has also shown anti-viral properties, antihyperglycemic effects, and can been used as an allergy suppressant.  The plant’s chemical constituents include betulinic acid, D-camphor, D-fenchone, cyanidin, delphinidin, hyperoside, manganese, lauric acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, myristic acid, rutin, linoleic acid, ursolic acid, beta-sitosterol, lupeol, and tannins.

*These products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and therefore we cannot claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All information on our site is provided for historical background and educational purposes only.