Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) is a member of the Lamiaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its leaves, flowers, and stems have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Selfheal
Scientific Name	Prunella vulgaris
Plant Family	Lamiaceae
Genus	Prunella
Species	vulgaris
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Flowers, Stems
Primary Medicinal Actions	Diuretic, Anti-Inflammatory, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Prunella vulgaris
Common Name: Selfheal
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Woundwort, Common Selfheal, Woolly Betony
Plant Family: Lamiaceae
Genus: Prunella

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 20 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Ovate leaves with smooth margins, upper surface dull green, lower surface pale green, bearing prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescence of clustered spikes bearing blue-violet flowers with five petals and two lips, actinomorphic symmetry, and a prominent central stamen.
Stems: Erect, unbranched, herbaceous stems with smooth, quadrangular cross-section and opposite, sessile leaves.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Diuretic: In herbal texts, considered a soothing diuretic, in cleansing-oriented uses.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a mild anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Astringent: Commonly referenced as a cooling astringent, in drying-focused uses.
Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a warming bitter, in taste-driven classifications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: A chemical class commonly identified in plant tissues, especially flowers and leaves.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Phenolic Acid: Naturally occurring phenolic compounds present in many plant species.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: There is insufficient evidence to determine specific contraindications related to this herb.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Toxic effects associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Use during pregnancy or breastfeeding has not been clearly established in available sources.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Plant material is macerated in alcohol to create a concentrated liquid extract.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.