An Herb to Know: HEAL-ALL

Prunella vulgaris likes to hang out in lawns and around perimeters of open disturbed areas.

"I trust my eye to find, just what it came to see...Beautiful deep arrow shaped leaves and the royal blooms of Heal-All beckon me." -Deva Courtney  

Heal-All

Meet one of the lesser known cousins of the MINT family. (The square stem tribe!)

 This amazing "weed" is a perennial that grows all over the world where there is temperate climate, so remember where you find it, or not... you'll find more! 

Known in TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) as Xia Ku Cao, this plant was COLD and powerful for "removing FIRE". The herb would be prescribed to those with troubled throats, liver and the associated eye ailments most often. But even then it was noted to effect high blood pressure and head ache also. The ancient Chinese believed that this plant could change the course of any chronic disease.  

They may have been on to something, modern day common names like HEAL-ALL, HEAL THE EARTH, and WOUNDWORT speak to its wide use.

A completely edible plant, all parts are of medicinal use internally or topically. 

Some of the most valuable research that has been done on Heal-all show off natures power as an anti-viral. This miraculous herbaceous plant has shown promise as a treatment for HPV and the herpes virus. A study done in the early 1990's showed it to stop the replication of HIV causing viruses. 

Traditionally, a tea of the herb would serve as a gargle for sore throats, mouth ulcers and fever. Externally preparations utilizing the plant soothed sores, bruises and open wounds. 

The plant has antibiotic, hypotensive and antimutagenic properties and contains the compound ursolic acid that is an antitumor and diuretic. 

Another really cool fact about this plant is that it contains more rosemarinic acid then does ROSEMARY! This is what makes for the potent natural antioxidant (substances that delay the oxidation or AGING process) quality in foods. 

Heal-All is one of the herbs taking center stage in my WOUND WELL SALVE that will be available for sale soon! 

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