Prunella vulgaris
Origin: Minnesota
Improvement status: Wild
Seeds per packet: ~50
BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED
Life cycle: Perennial
Also called "heal-all", "woundwort," "heart-of-the-earth," "carpenter's herb," "blue curls," "brownwort", "kalyuth" in Kashmir, and "xia ku cao" in Traditional Chinese Medicine, self-heal is an edible mint-family perennial with pretty purple flowers and a wide array of medicinal uses. Its many names are a testament to its broad utility. It's considered a native species to much of the world, namely Eurasia, Africa, and North America. It can often be found growing on roadsides and other disturbed areas, as well as woodland edges and in gardens. It somewhat resembles dead-nettles, but has longer, smoother leaves and grows taller.
The young leaves and stems of self-heal are eaten raw, and the whole plant can be cooked and eaten as a leaf vegetable. It is also dried for tea and also powdered and brewed into a cold infusion, both as a beverage and a soaking bath for muscle pain. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it's used to treat dizziness, bloodshot eyes, dry coughs, and skin inflammations. It's not surprising the plant has so many medicinal effects, since it's loaded with phytochemicals including D-camphor, betulinic acid, cyanidin, lauric acid, oleanolic acid, rosmarinic acid, myristic acid, rutin, linoleic acid, lupeol, and tannins, in addition to various vitamins and minerals.
Our seed was foraged in Minnesota by our dear friend and colleague Esther Liu.
GROWING TIPS: Seeds need no special treatment, though one month of cold-moist stratification might improve germination rates. Fall sowing is effective as well. Seeds can be started indoors 8-10 weeks before last frost, or sown directly in the ground in early spring. Sow seeds just below surface, as light improves germination. Keep seedlings well watered until well established. Thrives in full-sun to partial shade. Will spread if given the chance.
NOTE: Photo showing multiple flower heads: © Copyright Graham Horn and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/917145
Other photos are ours or in the public domain.
