Self heal herb and therapy
This herb is found growing wild throughout all the temperate
regions of the Northern Hemisphere, including Europe, Asia and North America.
It is found on moist, loamy, well-drained soils, in grassland, pastures and
open woodland, especially in sunny situations. Now introduced into China
and Australia. In strict 16th-century adherence to the Doctrine of
Signatures, whereby it was believed that every plant bore an outward sign of
its value to mankind, people noted that the upper lip of the flower was shaped
like a hook, and as bill hooks and sickles were a main cause of wounds in their
agrarian society, they decided that the purpose of the herb was to heal wounds
(hence Self Heal). They also saw the shape of the throat in the flower, which
was why it was introduced to treat diseases of the throat such as quinsy and
diphtheria, a propensity with a precedent in Ancient Greece, where physicians
used it to cure sore throats and tonsillitis.
Species
Prunella vulgaris
Self Heal
Hardy perennial. Ht 5-30cm (2-12in), spread 15-30cm (6- 12in).
Clusters of blue/purple flowers all summer. Oval leaves of a bright green.
There is a much rarer white-flowered species, Prunella laciniata, which has very deeply cut leaves.
Cultivation
Propagation
Seed
Sow the small seeds into prepared seed or plug trays in
either spring or autumn and cover with Perlite; no extra heat is required. If
an autumn sowing, winter the young plants in a cold frame. In spring, when the
plants are large enough. Plant out 15-20cm (6-8in) apart.
Division
This plant grows runners that have their own small root
systems and is, therefore, easy to divide. Dig up in the spring or autumn, and
split and replant either in the garden or amongst grass.
Garden Cultivation
This plant, which is easy to establish, makes a colorful
ground cover with attractive flowers. It is happy in full sun to semi-shade and
will grow in most soils, including those that are rather acid, though it does
best if the soil is fertile. It can be grown in a lawn, and while the mower
keeps its spread and height in check, it will still flower and be much visited by
bees and butterflies.
Pests and Diseases
In most cases it is free from pests and disease.
Maintenance
Spring: Sow seed.
Divide established plants.
Summer: Cut back
after flowering to curtail self-seeding.
Autumn: Divide
established plants. Sow seeds.
Winter: No need
for protection, fully hardy.
Harvest
Harvest for medicinal use only. Dry the leaves and flowers.
Container growing
Self heal can be grown in containers using a soil based
compost. However as it looks a bit insipid on its own it is better combined
with plants like heartsease, poppies and cowslips. Water well during the growing season, but only feed liquid
fertilizer twice otherwise it will produce too lush a growth.
Medicinal
Used in herbal medicines as a gargle for sore throats and
inflammation of the mouth. A decoction is used to wash cuts and to soothe burns
and bruises. |
