Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as self-heal, is a herbaceous perennial plant belonging to the mint family, Lamiaceae. It is native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa but has been naturalized in other parts of the world, including North America. Self-heal typically grows in grasslands, meadows, and open woodlands, and it is often found in disturbed areas.
The plant has a creeping habit and produces square stems with opposite pairs of leaves. The leaves are lance-shaped, toothed, and can vary in size. Self-heal blooms from late spring to early summer, producing small, tubular flowers arranged in dense, cylindrical spikes atop the stems. The flowers can vary in color from purple to pink or white.
Self-heal has a long history of medicinal use, particularly in traditional herbal medicine practices. It has been used to treat various ailments, including sore throats, wounds, and gastrointestinal issues. The plant contains compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, which are believed to contribute to its medicinal properties.
In addition to its medicinal uses, self-heal is also valued for its role in supporting pollinators, as its flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies. It is sometimes cultivated as an ornamental plant in gardens for its attractive flowers and ability to attract beneficial insects.