#self-heal

25/06/2023-Pig Bush in the New Forest 

Pictures taken in this set: 1. A Spotted Flycatcher that we saw, and I was amazed and felt so fortunate to see this precious and charismatic species for the first time this year. They are always such a delight to see and it was good to see it flying from tree to tree with an insect in its mouth, possibly about to go into a nest. This was a big moment for me as it took my year list to 207, going one ahead of last year’s total to mean my 2023 year list is now outright my highest ever. I am overjoyed to reach this point, especially before the half way point of the year technically. The Scotland trip and all the wonderful birds we saw and so many other amazing species seen at home areas and on other trips away including North Wales and Norfolk has got me in this position and I am so thankful for the year I’m having. There can’t be too many birds I’d have rather reached this milestone with as I’ve taken Spotted Flycatchers to heart a lot these past few years. And as one of my very favourite places, so rich in wildlife and so beautiful, there aren’t many places I’d rather do it at than Pig Bush. Another big moment in my connection with this place and of my year. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 8. Beautiful green views on another hot and sunny day. 4. Silver-studded Blue, I was thrilled to see a few of these my first in the forest such a key place for them this year and I’d rarely seen them here before so this was great. 5. An egg laying Emperor, a stunning moment I was honoured to witness on a very strong dragon/damselfly and general insect day. 9. Broad-bodied Chaser another key one seen by the water at Pig Bush today. 10. Lousewort, a pretty flower to see. 

💚Heal-all💚

Prunella vulgaris

Aka. common self-heal, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort, blue curls, kalyuth, xia ku cao, thimble flower, sicklewort, hook heal

General info. A member of the mint family, heal all is native to Eurasia, Africa, and North America. (These ones were found in Dunkirk and South Dayton, N) They grow in gardens, roadsides, woodland edges, and waste places.

Heal-all is edible. They're used in soups, salads, and stews. The herb is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat dizziness, red eyes, dry cough, dermititis, and boils. It's used in herbal teas in southern China and in commercial beverages. In Kashmir it is boiled and used as a wash to relieve muscle pain. Heal-all was also used to cure diphtheria.

Symbolism. (Mostly Upg since they're not in my books)Healing, Apollo, eir, Asclepius, Jord, Gaia, deities associated with healing. earth, good health, strength, motivation,

What do you associate with Heal-all?

🌿sources🌿

Wikipedia prunella vulgaris

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a common, highly nutritious, highly medicinal herb. Also known as heal-all and woundwort, this herb has a variety of healing purposes and has been used extensively in traditional medicine.

Self-heal is often considered a weed. It grows abundantly making it easy to forage for, you may have even seen it growing in your yard! There are no toxic look-alikes making self-heal a great choice for all levels of foragers and herbalists.

Finding Self-Heal

Self-heal is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere, growing in many different climates and in partial shade or full sun. It can often be found in disturbed areas, yards, gardens, fields, meadows, and along the edges of rivers and lakes. This varies by region but self-heal blooms in late spring, summer, & fall.

Identifying Self-Heal

Self-heal has purple flowers that grow in a square-shaped cluster at the top of the stem. It's a perennial in the mint family, but it doesn't have a scent like many other mints.

The stem is square-shaped and reddish in color. The leaves are oval-shaped that end in a point, dark green, with little hairs on them. Self-heal grows low to the ground and usually in large patches 2 feet or more in diameter.

Harvesting Self-Heal

Harvest self-heal when it's young and before it's gone to seed. Be aware that self-heal is considered a weed so be extra sure your foraging location is clean and hasn't been sprayed with anything! The leaves, stems, and flowers are all usable. Self-heal can be used fresh or dried depending on your needs.

Self-heal is also easy to grow (maybe a little too easy, it spreads quickly and can regenerate from shoot fragments so it can easily take over cleared areas. So keep in mind that you may want to contain it lol). When planted after the last frost in the spring it grows quickly and can be easily propagated. Mountain Rose Herbs (a trusted source for organic seeds) sells self-heal seeds for $4!

Self-Heal Look-Alikes

There are no toxic look alikes! Self-heal does look similar to purple dead nettle (Lamium purpureum) and henbit (Lamium amplexicaule), but both are nutritious edible and medicinal plants too so you really can't go wrong, but as always please use additional resources to identify and only forage with 100% confidence!!

Edible Uses of Self-Heal

Self-heal is highly nutritious and slightly bitter with a sort of similar taste to rosemary. It can be eaten raw and is a great addition to salads. You can also cook your self-heal and use it like you would any other fresh herb like rosemary or sage, it's very good in dishes like soups and stews.

Medicinal Uses of Self-Heal

Self-heal is well known for being anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and beneficial for the immune system. You can take self-heal as a tincture or a tea during a cold or flu to boost your immune system.

Self-heal is also amazing for healing (minor) wounds, scratches, cuts, and a variety of skin ailments (like dry, scaly, red, chapped, or flaky skin). Turn it into a poultice or a salve to use for this purpose.

Be safe and happy foraging!🌿💖

Common self-heal Kleine Braunelle Prunella vulgaris