Learn About Prunella Vulgaris
Prunella vulgaris is a medicinal herb used for centuries to treat many different kinds of illnesses. In fact, the herb has historically been so widely applied to a range of conditions that its common names include Heal-all and Self-heal. The herb is grown all over the world including Europe, Asia, and the United States. The herb contains many beneficial constituents such as B-camphor and Manganese as well as many vitamins. Learn more about this special herb in the article below.
Appearance
In addition to having high functional value, Prunella vulgaris stands out as an attractive plant in the garden. The stems grow 1 to 2 feet high with lance shaped leaves and tubular flowers with purple and white blossoms. It flowers from July to September.
Growing Properties
It's possible to buy Prunella vulgaris seeds, seedlings, or small plants from special nurseries or herb garden centers. The vigorous herb prefers USDA Zone 3 conditions, but can be grown in a range of soil types including sand, loam, and clay. It can grow on waste ground, grasslands, and woodland edges in soil that is basic or has a neutral ph. It grows equally well in full sun or shade, but it does require damp soil. The herb is a member of the mint family, so it is self-rooting and can easily take over plant beds. For this reason, it's recommended to plant it in a pot or a separate garden bed.
Common Uses
Prunella vulgaris has historically been used as an herbal remedy for a wide range of health issues. As a tonic, anti-flammatory, diuretic, and antibiotic, it can be used to relieve symptoms of fever, diarrea, sore mouth, sore throat, internal bleeding, allergic reactions, and liver and heart issues. As an astringent, antibacterial, and antiseptic, it helps reduce pain and promotes healing of sores, cuts, wounds, and scrapes. Mild infusions of dried Prunella vulgaris can be used to treat eye ailments like sties or pink eye. In addition, the herb can be infused into oil and used to treat skin rashes and even hemorrhoids. While the herb has been used as a popular household treatment for centuries, there is little currently known about how it works as a viable medicinal treatment. However, because of its versatility, the herb is currently being tested as a potential treatment for herpes, AIDS, diabetes, and cancer.
How To Consume
Prunella vulgaris can be consumed in many ways depending on your preference. It can be purchased in tablet, powder, or supplement form at health stores. However, it can also be harvested and added as a fresh or dried herb to salads and soups. The flowers can be dried and made into a tea by steeping in hot or cool water for several minutes. It can be sweetened with honey, and to avoid stomach upset, it's recommended to consume one-half cup at a time. The tea can also be applied to acne and skin conditions. Finally, the leaves can be eaten as a substitute to spinach in soups, stir-fries, and saut�s.
