Harvesting Self Heal and Its Utilization Methods
Self Heal, scientifically known as Prunella vulgaris, is a common wild plant found in many parts of the world. This humble plant offers a surprise with its various uses, from culinary delights to medicinal remedies.
Distinguishing Features
Self Heal leaves are ovate to lance-shaped, typically about one inch long and a little more than half an inch wide. Unlike Purple Dead Nettle, Self Heal's leaves are smooth or sparsely haired, while Purple Dead Nettle has fuzzy leaves. The leaves of Self Heal may have smooth or obscurely toothed edges, setting it apart from Ground Ivy, which has kidney or fan-shaped leaves with round toothed edges.
Identifying Self Heal
Self Heal stems are square and typically between 2 and 12 inches tall, and they are generally tough and reddish in colour. The flowers of Self Heal have tubular shapes with two lips. The top lip is usually purple, and the bottom lip is often white or purple, but they can also be bluish or pinkish. Self Heal flowers are unique as they have four stamens, unlike the narrower flowers of Henbit, which don't have fringed lower lips.
Culinary Delights and Medicinal Uses
Self Heal is a delight in many recipes, whether fresh or cooked. It's excellent fresh in teas and infusions, and it can be used in various herbal preparations for internal use, such as herbal oxymel, herbal-infused vinegar, herbal-infused honey, and simple herbal teas. Self Heal is also used in salves, ointments, massage oils, and poultices for external use.
Other Edible Wild Weeds
Self Heal isn't the only wild edible weed worth exploring. Chickweed, Yarrow, Wild Violets, and Fireweed (Rosebay Willowherb) are also great options. As for other wild plants to harvest this summer, consider Saskatoons (Serviceberries), Wild Black Cherries, and Chokecherries.
Historical Perspective
In North America, Self Heal was traditionally known by various names, such as "Heal-All" or "Woundwort," reflecting its use in folk medicine. Specific historical or traditional names are not detailed in the provided sources, but they often reflect the medicinal or cultural uses of plants.
Caution and Precautions
While Self Heal offers numerous benefits, it's essential to identify the plant correctly before consumption or use. If you're unfamiliar with Self Heal or any other wild plant, it's recommended to consult a local expert or a reliable guidebook. Additionally, while Self Heal is generally safe for consumption, it's always a good idea to start with small amounts and monitor any potential reactions.
Recipes and Preparations
There are specific recipes available for making Self Heal Oxymel for Immune Support, Self Heal Serum, and Self Heal poultice. Self Heal can also be used to create herbal tinctures for general spring tonic, alongside dandelion tincture, chickweed tincture, and burdock tincture.
