Self Heal for health

I love Self heal as a flower essence, and this simple, easy to find and identify Tonic herb in the mint family has a long history of herbal use in Native, Western and traditional Chinese medicine. Its gentle healing properties and general safety are backed up by current research. 

This YouTube clip by Herbal Jedi gives a great overview on how to identify, harvest and use this mint relative, Prunella vulgaris, (Western native variety: lanceolata)

* antioxidant and adaptogen

* soothes and aids digestion

* stabilizes blood sugar

* skin: cuts, wounds (staunches blood), bruises, inflammation, sunburn

* mouth sores, sore throat

* calms allergy response - use with nettles in spring pesto or tea (with Reishi, skullcap, etc)

* supports lymphatic health

* reduces arteriosclerosis

* liver and kidney support and detoxification

*enhances protein metabolism

* antiviral - biofilm disrupter like elderberry

* immune support in cancer treatment (natural or medical model)

Self heal's flowers are popular with a wide variety of insects, butterflies, skippers, bumble bees, native bees, and their low growth makes them audible for inclusion in an eco lawn that is occasionally mowed.