Prunella (plant)

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Prunella is a genus of seven species of herbaceous plants in the family Lamiaceae, also known as self-heals or "allheal" for their use in herbal medicine. Most are native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa, but Prunella vulgaris (the Common Self-heal) is Holarctic in distribution, occurring in North America as well, and is a common lawn weed.

Self-heals are low-growing plants, and thrive in moist wasteland and grass, spreading rapidly to cover the ground. They are members of the mint family and have the square stem common to mints.

The common name "self-heal" derives from the use of some species to treat a range of minor disorders. It is reported to have an antiseptic and antibacterial effect, and to be particularly good in cases of food poisoning. In the Pacific Northwest, its juice was used by the Quinault and the Quileute on boils. They also used the whole plant to treat cuts and inflammations. Ointments can be made by fixing the plant with grease. It is also used as an herbal drink in China to treat minor bodily disorders.

Prunella vulgaris has shown to be an antioxidant, immune stimulant, viral replication inhibitor and an anti-inflammatory agent.

The mildly bitter leaves are also good as salad greens.

Prunella species are used as food plants by the larvae of some Lepidoptera species including Coleophora albitarsella.

Self-heal can be grown from seed, or divide clumps in spring or autumn.

References

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Last updated on Saturday March 08, 2008 at 10:21:48 PST (GMT -0800)
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