Prunella vulgaris
Also known as all-heal, blue curls,
brownwort, carpenter's weed, Hercules woundwort, hock-heal, self heal and
sicklewort. This is a perennial herb found very commonly in open woods,
fields and wastelands of Europe, Asia and the U.S. It has creeping roots
from which grow square, grooved stems 1 to 3 feet tall. The leaves are
sometimes lightly toothed, and the flowers are purple in colour. These tiny
flowers appear during May to October.
Woundwort has antispasmodic,
astringent, bitter tonic, diuretic, styptic, vermifuge and
vulnerary properties. The tea is used for internal wounds, while the wash
is used for external wounds. As per it's name, the herb is believed to be
beneficial for just about any injury. Additionally, it can be used as a
gargle for throat irritations, including pharyngitis and for stomatitis
and thrush. It's astringent properties are used against hemorrhage and
diarrhea, and will also work on fits and convulsions.