Biological Description
Biological name of Prunella is Prunella vulgaris L. from family Lamiaceae. A perennial herb also known under the names of Woundwort, Heal-all, Wound Root, Carpenter’s Herb, Heart of the Earth, and other rather poetic words. Prunella is truly considered one of the self heal plant that can cure lots of ailments (but only a qualified herbalist should give you careful recommendation in using it).
Prunella grows up to 60 сm high. It has rather thick dark green stem, few broad leaves and purple-brown, blue-purple or sometimes yellow-white flowers. The plant flowers from May to September.
Growing
You can find the plant almost everywhere in Europe, Asia, North America and North Africa. It is a common garden plant that considered being a weed. Prunella is native to all those regions mentioned above.
It prefers to grow in moist and slightly dry soils. You can find Prunella in open woods, fields, gardens, pastures, roadsides and almost in every other sites.
Parts Used
In herbal medicine the above ground part of Prunella is used – Herba Prunellae. It is prepared in flowering season.
Market
Prunella is available in dried form, in form of poultice, tinctures and capsules (most available forms) on the market. The whole fresh plant is also used. You can find also Prunella Tea (often together with some other herbs, for example with Oregano), Prunella mouthwash and Prunella as one of the main constituent in different herbal preparations.
Action
Healing herb is high in antioxidants, essential oil, Pentacyclic triterpenes, tannin, beta carotene, and Rutin. It also contains Vitamin C, Vitamin K and rather important Vitamin B-1.
Prunella is famous for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties, is also a diuretic, liver stimulant, astringent and antispasmodic. The plant is an effective bitter tonic and immune stimulant.
Health Benefits
Along with some culinary usage (for salads as every other plant) Prunella is used internally and externally for different medical purposes.
Internally Prunella is used in capsules, tinctures and teas mainly due to its diuretic and anti-tumor properties for the following conditions and ailments:
– for fever
– in case of sore throat, laryngitis or diphtheria
– for wounds and injury
– colic, spasms and convulsions
– for acne
– for liver disorders and liver weakness
– for jaundice
– for hepatitis
– for lymphatic congestion
– for treating high blood pressure
– in case of limited internal bleeding
– for diarrhea, flatulence, gastritis and gout
– in treating vertigo
– in case of parasites
– in case of food poisoning (especially after eating too many fried foods)
– for Grave’s disease (mainly together with Bugleweed)
Some other internal uses are connected with its antioxidant and stimulant properties, and is used mainly for boosting the immune system or as a bitter tonic.
Externally the herb is used due to its anti-viral and anti-microbial properties for the following conditions:
– for bruises, cuts, wounds (applied topically)
– for burns or some allergic reactions (such as rash)
– in case of mouth infection and gum problems (mouth sores, sore throat and thrush)
– for hemorrhoids
– for gingivitis
– is also used as eyewash for conjunctivitis
It is used mainly in form of poultice, wash, salve or other different preparations.
Some researches have shown that Prunella is very effective in treating herpes simplex virus in oral herpes and genital herpes.
Consult a physician before using Prunella for safer and more beneficial usage of this powerful healing herb.