Latin Name: Prunella vulgaris
Herb Class/Action: Heal All is classified as an astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The aerial parts of the Heal All plant, including the leaves and flowers, are used for medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Heal All has a slightly bitter and astringent taste with subtle floral notes.
Energetics: Heal All is energetically cooling and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Wound Healing: Heal All is prized for its vulnerary properties, meaning it promotes the healing of wounds and skin irritations. It can be applied topically as a poultice, infused oil, or salve to soothe cuts, scrapes, burns, and insect bites.
- Anti-inflammatory: Heal All has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation and pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, bruises, and minor injuries.
- Antimicrobial: Heal All contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid that have antimicrobial properties. It can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it beneficial for treating infections and supporting immune health.
In the Garden: Heal All is a low-growing perennial herb that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. It thrives in full sun to partial shade and well-drained soil and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Heal All produces small spikes of purple flowers in the summer, attracting pollinators such as bees and butterflies. It is often grown in herb gardens, rock gardens, and naturalistic landscapes.
Culinary Uses: While Heal All is primarily used for its medicinal properties, it is not commonly used in culinary preparations due to its bitter taste and astringent properties.
Precautions: Heal All is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, particularly those with allergies to other plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint or lavender. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using Heal All medicinally. Additionally, individuals with thyroid conditions should use Heal All with caution, as it may contain compounds that affect thyroid function.
- Horehound
Latin Name: Marrubium vulgare
Herb Class/Action: Horehound is classified as an expectorant, bitter tonic, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory herb.
Parts of Plant Used: The aerial parts of the horehound plant, particularly the leaves and flowering tops, are used for medicinal purposes.
Flavors: Horehound has a bitter and slightly sweet flavor with aromatic undertones.
Energetics: Horehound is energetically warming and drying.
Medicinal Properties:
- Respiratory Support: Horehound is prized for its expectorant properties, which help promote the expulsion of mucus from the respiratory tract. It is used to relieve coughs, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions by facilitating easier breathing and reducing congestion.
- Digestive Aid: Horehound acts as a bitter tonic to stimulate digestion and improve appetite. It can help relieve symptoms of indigestion, bloating, and gas.
- Antimicrobial: Horehound contains compounds such as marrubiin that have antimicrobial properties. It can help inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi, making it beneficial for treating infections of the respiratory and digestive systems.
In the Garden: Horehound is a perennial herbaceous plant that is native to Europe, North Africa, and southwestern Asia but has naturalized in many regions around the world. It thrives in full sun and well-drained soil and is drought-tolerant once established. Horehound produces hairy, square stems with wrinkled, gray-green leaves and clusters of small, white flowers in the summer.
Culinary Uses: Horehound is occasionally used in culinary preparations, particularly in traditional herbal candies, cough drops, and herbal teas. It is often combined with honey or sugar to mask its bitter flavor and make it more palatable.
Precautions: Horehound is generally safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, it may cause allergic reactions in some people, particularly those with allergies to other plants in the Lamiaceae family, such as mint or sage. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare professional before using horehound medicinally. Additionally, horehound should be used with caution in individuals with diabetes or hypoglycemia, as it may lower blood sugar levels.
