All-heal

Scientific name: Prunella vulgaris

INTRODUCTION

All-heal — also known as heart-of-the-earth and common self-heal — is part of the aromatic mint family. Sometimes considered a weed, all-heal has small purple-colored flowers and is frequently found in undisturbed lawns and by roadsides in the U.S., Europe, and Asia.

USES

Consumable: All-heal is safe to eat. For example, people mix the herb into salads and soups. In the past, some Native Americans ate the leaves of the plant while others made the plant into a beverage or tonic.

Medicinal: All-heal was/is popular with traditional Chinese and Indian herbalists. The plant can reduce fevers, soothe throat inflammations, and heal fresh wounds. Some Native American tribes also used it to cure acne, soothe burns, treat sore knees, heal coughs, and reduce boils in the past.