Prunella vulgaris

Selfhealimage

Prunella vulgaris also known as Selfheal or Heal-all of the mint family, Labiatae, was observed 2014 September 12 in Newark, Ohio. Prunella vulgaris are native to North America. This herb was found outside in an open-cultivated lawn, growing along the west side of a shady, limestone driveway, on a slightly-downward slope in moist soil. This herb can be best described as a purple-white flower in a green, spiked, square-cluster. The flower itself has a purple-upper lip that covers a three-lobed, white-lower lip. The leaves are arranged in opposite pattern and the leaves have an entire margin (smooth edge), lance-shaped (long spare-like), and appear dark green. An interesting fact about this herb is that it is edible, the leaves may be eaten in salads; the whole plant may be boiled and eaten; the above ground parts of the herb may be powdered and brewed as a tea. It is also a medicinal herb that will heal sore throats, thrush, gum infections, irritated skin fever, diarrhea, and internal bleeding.

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