Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, also known as heal-all and woundwort, is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae) and has purple flowers with a lipped-shape appearance that grow on spikes. Self Heal is a weed that grows all over the globe, grows close to the ground, and loves damp shady places.
High in antioxidants, tannins, beta-carotene, and vitamins, it has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties. Over the centuries self-heal has been commonly used as an all-purpose healing herb for wounds like cuts, scrapes, and burns and for drawing out infections, such as abscesses and boils.
It has long been used topically as a poultice to help heal, acne, rashes, bruises, abrasions, sores, blisters, and other skin irritations. Self-heal can be found in healing salves and creams which help ease scarring, relieve the discomfort of eczema, and condition skin after shaving.
