Self-Heal Herb | Prunella vulgaris

What Is Self-Heal Herb?

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris), also called heal-all, all-heal or carpenter’s herb, is a low-growing perennial of the mint family found across Europe, Asia and North America. It grows in lawns, meadows, woodland edges and along paths, and from early summer to autumn carries dense spikes of small violet-purple, hooded flowers.

Its many common names reflect how widely it was valued in the past. Self-heal appears in medieval European herbals, in traditional Chinese practice, where the flower spikes are known as xia ku cao, and in the traditions of several Native American peoples.

The aerial parts, leaves, stems and flower spikes, are harvested in summer and dried. As a tea, self-heal gives a light golden-green cup with a mild, green and grassy taste. It is enjoyed on its own or in blends with mint, lemon balm, chamomile or green tea. In Southern China, prunella is also a common ingredient in traditional cooling herbal drinks.

Self-heal is a gentle, easy herb to brew, and a good addition for anyone exploring traditional wild herbs. It is also easy to grow in a sunny or partly shaded garden corner.

Our self-heal herb contains only dried Prunella vulgaris with nothing added. It is sold by weight, from small packs to bulk.