Prunella vulgaris
Botanical Nomenclature | Prunella vulgaris |
Common Name | Common Self-Heal, Heal-All |
Taxonomy- Family | Lamiaceae or Labiatae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Prunella vulgaris is a perennial plant, growing up to 20cm, with oval, not toothed, shiny, green leaves and red or white flowers in inflorescence (bunches). The flowering and the harvesting take place from June to September |
Region Found | Epirus, Pindos |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | The whole plant |
Active Substances | Tannins, bitter agents, resins, essential oil, flavonoids, vitamins A, B, C, K, fatty acids, carbohydrates, betulinic acid, camphor, delphinidin, hyperoside, manganese, rosmarinic acid, rutin |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The herbal tea is used as an astringent, antibiotic, hypotensive, antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, tonic, anthelmintic and healing agent. It is applied externally to the skin as a hemostatic in cuts and wounds. It is also used in hemorrhoids, conjunctivitis and bleeding gums. Finally, it is used in the form of gargling against oral inflammation and sore throat. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as an astringent and healing in the form of herbal tea (a spoon of dried herb in 150mL of boiled water, 2-3 times a day), as well in the form of tincture, ointment and poultice made from the fresh plant. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1) http://www.kew.org/science-conservation/plants-fungi/prunella-vulgaris-selfheal 2) http://altnature.com/gallery/healall.htm 3) http://www.anniesremedy.com/herb_detail140.php 4) http://www.motherearthliving.com/plant-profile/an-herb-to-know-7.aspx 5) https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/s/selfhe40.html#med 6) http://www.healalltea.com/Heal-All-Tea-Benefits/ |