Omnia SanaPrunella vulgaris
Common names in 30 European languages →
The complete database record: 2 documented constituents, 10 pharmacological actions, 12 traditional / indicated uses, with 38 cited sources.
Botanical Description
Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb (Lamiaceae), 5-30 cm tall, with square, often purplish stems. Leaves are opposite, ovate with slightly toothed margins. Small, two-lipped, violet-purple flowers are densely packed into a compact, club-shaped terminal spike subtended by purplish bracts.[1]
Height: 5-30 cm
Habit: Low, creeping to semi-erect perennial herb
Leaves: Opposite, ovate, slightly toothed
Flowers: Small, two-lipped, violet-purple, in a compact club-shaped terminal spike
Stem: Square, often purplish
Root: Fibrous, spreading perennial rootstock
Fruit: Four small nutlets (typical Lamiaceae schizocarp)
Flowering Period: June-September
Habitat & Distribution
Native throughout Europe, Asia and North America (circumboreal), extremely common in lawns, meadows, woodland clearings, roadsides and waste ground, tolerating mowing and a wide range of soils.[1]
Harvesting
Whole flowering aerial parts (flower, leaf and stem) are cut during flowering (summer) and dried.[1]
Parts: Flower, Leaf, Stem
Season: Summer, during flowering
Key Constituents
Pentacyclic triterpenoids (ursolic, oleanolic and betulinic acids), the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin, esculetin) and the flavonoid luteolin are the main bioactives behind self-heal's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activity.
Rosmarinic acidPhenolic acidsCoumarinsFlavonoidsLuteolin
Water-extracted polysaccharides - including a partially sulphated arabinogalactomannan (PSP-2B) and polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates (PVG/PVE30) - are the principal antiviral and immunomodulatory constituents, blocking herpes simplex virus attachment and modulating innate immune signalling.
PolysaccharidesPhenolic compounds
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0314, REF-0658, REF-0660, REF-2424, REF-2884, REF-2887, REF-2912, REF-2914, REF-2920
Evidence: 2
Label: Arthritis / joint pain
inferred from vulnerary action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0314
Evidence: 2
Label: Bruising
inferred from antiviral action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0658, REF-0660, REF-0661, REF-0662, REF-0663, REF-2424, REF-2425, REF-2881, REF-2882, REF-2887, REF-2917, REF-2920
Evidence: 2
Label: Cold & flu
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2424, REF-2881
Evidence: 2
Label: Immune support
inferred from antimicrobial action
Evidence: 2
Label: Infection (general)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0314
Evidence: 2
Label: Inflammation (general)
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0314, REF-0658, REF-0660, REF-2424, REF-2884, REF-2887, REF-2912, REF-2914, REF-2920
Evidence: 2
Label: Skin irritation
inferred from antimicrobial action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-0314
Evidence: 2
Label: Wounds
inferred from anticancer action
Mechanistic Exclude Ids: REF-2878
Evidence: 7
Label: Cancer (anticancer research)
more plants for cancer (anticancer research) →detailed sources →
Evidence: 2
Label: Blood sugar / diabetes support
more plants for blood sugar / diabetes support →detailed sources →
Evidence: 2
Label: Cardiovascular / heart health
more plants for cardiovascular / heart health →detailed sources →
Traditional Use & History
Selfheal has an extremely broad folk-medicine reputation across European, North American and Traditional Chinese Medicine traditions - as its name suggests, used as an all-purpose wound herb, gargle for sore throat, and internal remedy for fevers and inflammation. Modern research on its triterpenoid, phenolic and polysaccharide constituents supports wide-ranging antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antiviral activity.[1]
Preparations
Infusion (tea)[1]
Dried aerial parts steeped in hot water, taken internally or used as a gargle or wash.
Dosage
Infusion (tea)[1]
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 2-4 g dried herb per cup as an infusion, up to three times daily, or an equivalent tincture; used topically as a wash or gargle at similar strength. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally very safe and well tolerated. No significant known toxicity or drug interactions. Safe for topical and internal use in normal medicinal doses. Suitable for most adults including children in appropriate doses.
Duke (2002) rates self-heal as +++ and notes antioxidant (score 2), anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and COX-2 inhibitory activities. The plant contains luteolin, rosmarinic acid, and hyperoside - all with well-documented bioactivities. Hepatoprotective activity has been experimentally demonstrated. Duke notes that self-heal has a broad antimicrobial spectrum and an impressive antioxidant profile, supporting its traditional reputation as a versatile wound-healing herb. No significant safety concerns at normal herbal doses (Duke, 2002).
Harvest Readiness
[32]
Part: flower
Signals: Cut the flower spikes in mid-summer, while in flower.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: PFAF (REF-3316); best harvested in mid-summer while in flower (in flower July-September). Single lineage -> provisional.
[32]
Part: leaf
Signals: Gather the leaves with the flowering tops in mid-summer.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: PFAF (REF-3316); the leaf is gathered with the flowering tops in mid-summer. Single lineage -> provisional.
[32]
Part: stem
Signals: Gather the stems with the flowering tops in mid-summer.
Basis: traditional
Source Quote: For drying it is best harvested in mid-summer.
Species Confirmed: 1
Notes: PFAF (REF-3316); the stem is gathered with the flowering tops in mid-summer. Single lineage -> provisional.
External Identifiers
References & Sources
- Mir, R.H., Bhat, M.F., Sawhney, G., Kumar, P., Andrabi, N.I., Shaikh, M., Mohi-Ud-Din, R. and Masoodi, M.H (2022) 'Prunella vulgaris L.: Critical Pharmacological, Expository Traditional Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry: A Review', Current Drug Discovery Technologies, 19(1). doi:10.2174/1570163818666210203181542 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.2174/1570163818666210203181542 - Pan, J. and Wang, H. and Chen, Y (2022) 'Prunella vulgaris L. - A Review of its Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Quality Control and Pharmacological Effects', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, pp. 903171. doi:10.3389/fphar.2022.903171 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.903171 - Wang, S.J. and Wang, X.H. and Dai, Y.Y. and Ma, M.H. and Rahman, K. and Nian, H. and Zhang, H (2019) 'Prunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review of Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications', Current Pharmaceutical Design, 25(3), pp. 359-369. doi:10.2174/1381612825666190313121608 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/1381612825666190313121608 - Zhu, M.J. and Song, Y.J. and Rao, P.L. and Gu, W.Y. and Xu, Y. and Xu, H.X (2025) 'Therapeutic role of Prunella vulgaris L. polysaccharides in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and gut dysbiosis', Journal of Integrative Medicine, 23(3), pp. 297-308. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.002 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2025.03.002 - Zhang, Y. and Qu, X. and Xu, N. and He, H. and Li, Q. and Wei, X. and Chen, Y. and Xu, Y. and Li, X. and Zhang, R. and Zhong, R. and Liu, C. and Xiang, P. and Zhu, F (2024) 'Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. and luteolin in restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress in Graves' disease', Phytomedicine, 132, pp. 155818. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155818 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155818 - Zhang, S. and Wang, Y. and Wang, M. and Jiang, L. and Ma, X. and Huang, Y. and Liu, T. and Zheng, L. and Li, Y (2024) 'Construction and anti-pancreatic cancer activity of selenium nanoparticles stabilized by Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide', Int J Biol Macromol, 278(Pt 3), pp. 134924. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134924 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.134924 - Ning, N. and Nan, Y. and Chen, G. and Huang, S. and Lu, D. and Yang, Y. and Meng, F. and Yuan, L (2024) 'Anti-Tumor Effects and Toxicity Reduction Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review', Molecules, 29(8). doi:10.3390/molecules29081843 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29081843 - Han, Q. and Xu, N. and Chen, B. and Wu, W. and Sheng, L (2021) 'Safety and efficacy of Prunella vulgaris preparation in adjuvant treatment of thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis', Medicine (Baltimore), 100(41), pp. e27490. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000027490 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000027490 - Li, P. and Lv, X. and Wang, J. and Zhang, C. and Zhao, J. and Yang, Y (2023) 'Research on the anti-ageing mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L', Sci Rep, 13(1), pp. 12398. doi:10.1038/s41598-023-39609-1 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-39609-1 - Zhang, Q. and Chen, X. and Palen, K. and Johnson, B. and Bui, D. and Xiong, D. and Pan, J. and Hu, M. and Wang, Y. and You, M (2023) 'Cancer chemoprevention with PV-1, a novel Prunella vulgaris-containing herbal mixture that remodels the tumor immune microenvironment in mice', Front Immunol, 14, pp. 1196434. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196434 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196434 - Ma, F. and Deng, Q. and Lou, H. and Li, J. and Xu, S. and Wu, W. and Wen, Q. and Tang, L. and Wang, X. and Pan, W (2022) 'Vulgarisin-type diterpenoids from self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) and their neuroprotective effects against ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) via a mitochondria-related pathway', Food Funct, 13(13), pp. 7062-7074. doi:10.1039/d2fo00150k Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1039/d2fo00150k - Xie, J. and Xiong, S. and Yu, J. and Ma, X. and Xiang, F. and Chen, Y. and Xia, B. and Li, Y. and Zhang, Z. and Liao, D. and Lin, L (2025) 'Prunella vulgaris polyphenols alleviate liver injury-uveitis comorbidity by regulating acylcarnitine via the S100A9-PP2A-AMPK pathway', Phytomedicine, 141, pp. 156675. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156675 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.156675 - Li, Y. and Luo, H. and Lin, X. and Hua, L. and Wang, J. and Xie, J. and Zhang, Z. and Shi, Z. and Li, M. and Peng, Q. and Lin, L. and Liao, D. and Xia, B (2025) 'Triterpenes of Prunella vulgaris Inhibit Triple-Negative Breast Cancer by Regulating PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and IL-24/CXCL12/CXCR4 Pathways', Int J Mol Sci, 26(5). doi:10.3390/ijms26051959 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26051959 - Zeng, S. and Liu, B. and Ge, R. and Yuan, Z. and Yang, Y. and Zhu, W. and Wang, Z (2025) 'An integrative analysis reveals mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris in thyroid cancer metastasis', Phytomedicine, 145, pp. 157051. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157051 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2025.157051 - Zhu, Q. and Muyayalo, K.P. and Xu, Q.H. and Wang, J. and Wang, H. and Liao, A.H (2021) 'Prunella vulgaris can improve the pregnancy outcomes of experimental autoimmune thyroiditis rats by inhibiting Th1/Th17 immune responses', J Reprod Immunol, 149, pp. 103469. doi:10.1016/j.jri.2021.103469 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jri.2021.103469 - Lin, J. and Zhou, J. and Ye, K. and Xie, F (2025) 'Prunella vulgaris: A potential molecule for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma', Medicine (Baltimore), 104(17), pp. e42267. doi:10.1097/MD.0000000000042267 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1097/MD.0000000000042267 - Li, L. and Lin, L. and Deng, J. and Lin, X. and Li, Y. and Xia, B (2021) 'The therapeutic effects of Prunella vulgaris against fluoride‐induced oxidative damage by using the metabolomics method', Environmental Toxicology, 36(9), pp. 1802-1816. doi:10.1002/tox.23301 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/tox.23301 - Wei, J. and Leng, L. and Sui, Y. and Song, S. and Owusu, F.B. and Li, X. and Cao, Y. and Li, P. and Wang, H. and Li, R. and Yang, W. and Gao, X. and Wang, Q (2023) 'Phenolic acids from Prunella vulgaris alleviate cardiac remodeling following myocardial infarction partially by suppressing NLRP3 activation', Phytotherapy Research, 38(1), pp. 384-399. doi:10.1002/ptr.8024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8024 - Jiao, X. and Liu, H. and Lu, Q. and Wang, Y. and Zhao, Y. and Liu, X. and Liu, F. and Zuo, Y. and Wang, W. and Li, Y (2021) 'Study on the Mechanism of Prunella Vulgaris L on Diabetes Mellitus Complicated with Hypertension Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Analyses', Journal of Diabetes Research, 2021, pp. 1-14. doi:10.1155/2021/9949302 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/9949302 - Namgung, S. and Yoon, J.J. and Yoon, C. and Han, B.H. and Choi, E.S. and Oh, H. and Kim, Y. and Lee, Y.J. and Kang, D.G. and Lee, H.S (2017) 'Prunella vulgarisAttenuates Diabetic Renal Injury by Suppressing Glomerular Fibrosis and Inflammation', The American Journal of Chinese Medicine, 45(03), pp. 475-495. doi:10.1142/s0192415x1750029x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1142/s0192415x1750029x - Lim, G. and Sung, J.Y. and Yu, S. and Kim, Y. and Kim, Y. and Shim, J. and Kim, H.J. and Cho, M.L. and Lee, J. and Kim, Y. and Kim, Y (2020) 'Pygenic Acid A (PA) Sensitizes Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells to Anoikis and Inhibits Metastasis In Vivo', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 21(22), pp. 8444-8444. doi:10.3390/ijms21228444 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms21228444 - Lin, Y. and Yang, C. and Tang, J. and Li, Q. and Zhang, Z. and Xia, B. and Li, Y. and He, Q. and Lin, L. and Liao, D (2020) 'Characterization and anti-uterine tumor effect of extract from Prunella vulgaris L', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 20(1), pp. 189-189. doi:10.1186/s12906-020-02986-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-02986-5 - Chen, Y. and Jiang, B. and Qu, C. and Jiang, C. and Zhang, C. and Wang, Y. and Chen, F. and Sun, X. and Su, L. and Luo, Y (2024) 'Bioactive components in prunella vulgaris for treating Hashimoto's disease via regulation of innate immune response in human thyrocytes', Heliyon, 10(16), pp. e36103-e36103. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36103 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e36103 - Raafat, K. and Wurglics, M. and Schubert‐Zsilavecz, M (2016) 'Prunella vulgaris L. active components and their hypoglycemic and antinociceptive effects in alloxan-induced diabetic mice', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 84, pp. 1008-1018. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.09.095 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.09.095 - Qu, Z. and Zhang, J. and Yang, H. and Gao, J. and Chen, H. and Liu, C. and Gao, W (2016) 'Prunella vulgaris L., an Edible and Medicinal Plant, Attenuates Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Rats', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 65(2), pp. 291-300. doi:10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04597 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b04597 - Guo, Q. and Qu, H. and Zhang, H. and Zhong, X (2021) 'Prunella vulgaris L. Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Thyroiditis by Inhibiting HMGB1/TLR9 Signaling', Drug Design Development and Therapy, Volume 15, pp. 4559-4574. doi:10.2147/dddt.s325814 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.s325814 - Akkol, E.K. and Renda, G. and İlhan, M. and Bektaş, N.Y (2022) 'Wound healing acceleration and anti-inflammatory potential of Prunella vulgaris L.: From conventional use to preclinical scientific verification', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 295, pp. 115411-115411. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2022.115411 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115411 - Yu, F. and Zhang, L. and Ma, R. and Liu, C. and Wang, Q. and Yin, D (2021) 'The Antitumour Effect of Prunella vulgaris Extract on Thyroid Cancer Cells In Vitro and In Vivo', Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2021, pp. 1-12. doi:10.1155/2021/8869323 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/8869323 - Zhong, X., Zhang, Y., Yuan, M., Xu, L., Luo, X., Wu, R., Xi, Z., Li, Y. and Xu, H (2024) 'Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide inhibits herpes simplex virus infection by blocking TLR-mediated NF-kB activation', Chinese Medicine, 19(1). doi:10.1186/s13020-023-00865-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13020-023-00865-y - Zhang, Q., Li, Y., Zhong, X., Fu, W., Luo, X., Feng, J., Yuan, M., Xiao, L. and Xu, H (2021) 'Polyphenolic-protein-polysaccharide conjugates from Spica of Prunella vulgaris: Chemical profile and anti-herpes simplex virus activities', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.200 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2021.11.200 - Ma, F.W., Kong, S.Y., Tan, H.S., Wu, R., Xia, B., Zhou, Y. and Xu, H.X (2016) 'Structural characterization and antiviral effect of a novel polysaccharide PSP-2B from Prunellae Spica', Carbohydrate Polymers, pp. 699--709. doi:10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.07.062 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.carbpol.2016.07.062 - Plants For A Future 'Prunella vulgaris (Self-heal, Heal-all)'. Available at: https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunella+vulgaris Traditional / reference
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunella+vulgaris - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Psotova, J. et al (2003) 'Biological activities of Prunella vulgaris extract', 17(9), pp. 1082--1087. doi:10.1002/ptr.1324 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1324 - Yang, Y.Q. et al (2007) 'Antiviral activity of aqueous extract of Prunella vulgaris L', 73(3), pp. 157--162. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Antiviral%20activity%20of%20aqueous%20extract%20of%20Prunella%20vulgaris%20L - Haarberg, K.M.K., Wymore Brand, M.J., Overstreet, A.M.C., Hauck, C.C., Murphy, P.A., Hostetter, J.M., Ramer-Tait, A.E. and Wannemuehler, M.J (2015) 'Orally administered extract from Prunella vulgaris attenuates spontaneous colitis in mdr1a(-/-) mice', World Journal of Gastrointestinal Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 6(4), pp. 223--237. doi:10.4292/wjgpt.v6.i4.223 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4292/wjgpt.v6.i4.223 - Zhang, Y.B., Xu, L., Yuan, M., Liu, M.F., Li, Y., Zhong, X.L., Lin, Z.X., Xian, Y.F., Lu, P., Xi, Z.C. and Xu, H.X (2025) 'Protective effects of Prunella vulgaris polysaccharides against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection through the STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway', Journal of Integrative Medicine, 24(3), pp. 454--465. doi:10.1016/j.joim.2025.12.008 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joim.2025.12.008 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
Selected studies & references
ReviewAnti-Tumor Effects and Toxicity Reduction Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review source↗ (2024)
ReviewPrunella vulgaris L. - A Review of its Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Quality Control and Pharmacological Effects source↗ (2022)
ReviewSafety and efficacy of Prunella vulgaris preparation in adjuvant treatment of thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis source↗ (2021)
ReviewPrunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review of Chemical Constituents, Pharmacological Effects and Clinical Applications source↗ (2019)
PreclinicalAn integrative analysis reveals mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris in thyroid cancer metastasis source↗ (2025)
PreclinicalProtective effects of Prunella vulgaris polysaccharides against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection through the STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway source↗ (2025)
PreclinicalPrunella vulgaris polyphenols alleviate liver injury-uveitis comorbidity by regulating acylcarnitine via the S100A9-PP2A-AMPK pathway source↗ (2025)
PreclinicalPrunella vulgaris: A potential molecule for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma source↗ (2025)
All 37 studies in the Knowledge Finder →
Educational use only. This profile summarises traditional and scientific sources for reference. It is not medical advice and not a substitute for a qualified practitioner. Some plants carry safety cautions and drug interactions - always check before use.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.
This profile is assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database, which we curate by hand. How this site is built.