Comprehensive Guide to Heal All Spikes (Prunella Vulgaris)
Heal All Spikes, also known as Prunella vulgaris, is a remarkable herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Western herbalism for its powerful healing properties. It has earned its reputation as a versatile plant due to its wide range of medicinal benefits, primarily focused on reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, and balancing the liver and blood. This guide will dive into the rich medicinal history of Prunella vulgaris, its uses, mechanisms, and how it can be integrated into your health regimen for maximum benefit.
What Is Prunella Vulgaris?
Prunella vulgaris, commonly referred to as Heal All, Self-Heal, or Xia Ku Cao in TCM, is a perennial herb that belongs to the mint family. Native to Europe, Asia, and North America, this herb thrives in meadows and woodland edges. Its spikes of violet flowers bloom in the summer, and the entire plant, including the flowers, leaves, and stems, is harvested for its medicinal properties.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Uses of Heal All Spikes
In TCM, Xia Ku Cao (Prunella vulgaris) is traditionally used for its cooling properties, making it a key herb for clearing heat from the liver, dispersing nodules, and improving vision. This herb is primarily associated with the Liver and Gallbladder channels, where it helps to reduce heat and regulate the liver’s function.
Clears Liver Fire and Improves Vision
Heal All Spikes are used to treat symptoms related to Liver Fire, which can include red, painful eyes, headaches, and dizziness. The cooling nature of this herb helps alleviate inflammation in the liver, while also improving vision by addressing excess heat.
Dissolves Nodules
Another well-known benefit of Heal All Spikes in TCM is its ability to dissolve lumps and nodules. This makes it useful in cases of thyroid nodules, goiter, and swollen lymph nodes. It helps to soften hardness and disperse accumulations, making it an effective herb for treating various types of swellings.
Calms the Liver and Lowers Blood Pressure
In addition to clearing liver heat, Prunella vulgaris is valued for its ability to lower blood pressure. It helps by calming the liver and balancing the body's internal energy (Qi), preventing conditions like hypertension from exacerbating due to excessive liver heat or stress.
Prunella Vulgaris in Western Herbalism
In Western herbal traditions, Heal All has been revered as a wound healer and anti-inflammatory remedy. Its use as a topical treatment for cuts, sores, and ulcers has a long history, with herbalists valuing it for its ability to accelerate healing and prevent infection.
Topical Applications: Healing Wounds and Skin Conditions
The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of Prunella vulgaris make it highly effective when applied topically. It is frequently used as a poultice or ointment to treat:
- Minor wounds
- Skin ulcers
- Burns
- Eczema
- Acne
These topical applications help to speed up tissue regeneration and reduce inflammation, making Heal All a go-to herb for skin issues.
Internal Use: Immune System Support and Infection Control
Internally, Heal All Spikes are commonly used to support the immune system. It is rich in antioxidants and antimicrobial compounds, which help fight off bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. Its ability to regulate immune response also makes it useful for conditions such as colds, sore throats, and respiratory infections.
Mechanisms of Action: How Prunella Vulgaris Works
Heal All Spikes contain a variety of bioactive compounds that give it its healing properties. These include flavonoids, tannins, and ursolic acid, all of which contribute to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activities.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The flavonoids found in Prunella vulgaris help reduce inflammation throughout the body, making it effective for treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, inflammatory skin disorders, and gastrointestinal inflammation.
Antimicrobial Activity
Compounds like rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid give Heal All its antimicrobial properties, allowing it to fight off various pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. This makes it a powerful herb for both internal and external infections.
Antioxidant Effects
Heal All Spikes are rich in antioxidants, which neutralize free radicals and prevent oxidative stress. This is particularly important for protecting the body from chronic diseases such as cancer, heart disease, and neurodegenerative disorders.
There are several ways to use Heal All Spikes to benefit from its medicinal properties. Below are some of the most common forms of preparation and their respective benefits.
Tea Infusion
One of the simplest and most effective ways to use Prunella vulgaris is by preparing a tea infusion. The tea is commonly used for treating sore throats, respiratory infections, and fevers.
Instructions for Tea Infusion:
- Add 1-2 teaspoons of dried Heal All Spikes to a cup of hot water.
- Let it steep for 10-15 minutes.
- Strain and drink up to three times daily for best results.
Topical Application (Poultice or Ointment)
For skin conditions, wounds, or ulcers, a poultice or ointment made from Prunella vulgaris can be applied directly to the affected area.
Instructions for Poultice:
- Crush fresh or dried Heal All Spikes into a paste.
- Apply the paste directly to the wound or skin condition.
- Leave on for 20-30 minutes before rinsing.
Decoction
A decoction of Prunella vulgaris is commonly used in TCM for more intensive treatments such as reducing thyroid nodules or treating chronic liver conditions.
Instructions for Decoction:
- Add dried Heal All Spikes to a pot of water.
- Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.
- Strain and drink 1-2 cups per day.
Conclusion: The Power of Heal All Spikes
Whether you are looking to improve liver health, heal wounds, or balance your immune system, Heal All Spikes offers a wide range of benefits. Its traditional use in TCM, combined with its growing recognition in Western herbalism, makes it a versatile and essential herb for natural health. With its potent healing properties and a variety of applications, Prunella vulgaris truly lives up to its name—Heal All.
Herbal Information on Selfheal Herb in Powder Form
Product Description
Common Name: Selfheal Herb
Botanical Characteristics
- Botanical Name: Prunella vulgaris
- Family: Lamiaceae (Mint family)
- Parts Used: Whole plant (spikes, leaves, stems)
- Properties: Bitter, cold
- TCM Channels: Liver, Gallbladder
Pin Yin Name: Xia Ku Cao
Other Names: Heal-All, Self-heal
Other Ingredients: None, nothing has been added to this product.
Package Size: 500 Grams ( 1.1 pounds)
Form: Powder - Fine powder 80 to 100 mesh size (similar to the consistency of baking flour)
Origin: China
Brand: Plum Flower, species - authenticated herbs
Cautions: Do not use if pregnant or nursing. Use with caution for those with Spleen and Stomach Deficiency and weakness. Do not use if allergic to the mint family plants.
Naturally Occurring Components:Prunella vulgaris plant consist of triterpenoid saponins that is based on the aglycone called oleanolic acid. Other components are glycosides substances like rutin and Hyperoside as well as other organic acids like ursolic acid, caffeic acid, free oleanolic acid, Vitamin B1, Vitamin C, vitamin K, carotene, tannins, volatile oils, alkaloids, and potassium chloride.
Benefits of Selfheal Herb
- Selfheal has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine
- Has a wide range of beneficial properties.
- Heat clearing herb
- Drain fire herb
- When used properly Selfheal strengths kidneys
- Acts as a mild diuretic
- Traditional Chinese herbalists refer to it as the “summer-dry herb”
- Traditionally used when there are signs of heat and liver constraint
About Plum Flower Quality Herb Powders
Plum Flower is an established worldwide manufacturer of high-quality Chinese herbs, and innovative Chinese medicinal products. Plum Flower uses sulfur-free herbs and laboratory tests its products for contamination and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, and pesticides..
- Made at GMP internationally certified facilities (Good Manufacturing Practices) Quality control tests are done at the manufacturing site and at third party labs to confirm results.
- Manufactured using Unsulfured, Chlorine free, Aluminum Phosphate free herbs when possible.
- Microbials and heavy metals tested. No preservatives.
Chinese Traditional herbs should be regarded as an added feature to modern western healthcare, and not as a replacement. Chinese traditional herbs ( Teas ) emphasize harmony, and balance.
