Self-Heal
OTHER NAME(S): All-Heal, Blue Curls, Brownwort, Brunelle Vulgaire, Carpenter's Herb, Carpenter's Weed, Heal-All, Heart of the Earth, Herbe au Charpentier, Hercules Woundwort, Hock-Heal, Prunela, Prunella, Prunelle, Prunelle Vulgaire, Self Heal, Sicklewort, Siclewort, Slough-Heal, Woundwort, Xia Ku Cao, Prunella vulgaris, Heal All, Self-Heel, Consuelda Menor, Brunelle
Overview
Self-heal is an herb. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Self-heal is used for inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis, rheumatoid arthritis, problems in the stomach and intestines, sore throat, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Be careful not to confuse self-heal with another plant called sanicle. Sanicle is sometimes referred to as self-heal, but it's different.
Self-heal contains chemicals that act as antioxidants. Other chemicals called tannins might help reduce skin swelling (inflammation).
Self-heal contains chemicals that act as antioxidants. Other chemicals called tannins might help reduce skin swelling (inflammation).
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Bruises.
- Crohn disease.
- Disorders of the female reproductive system (gynecological disorders).
- HIV/AIDS.
- Internal bleeding.
- Mouth and throat ulcers.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Stomach pain.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Wound healing.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of self-heal for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe. It might cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe. It might cause upset stomach and diarrhea.
When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if self-heal is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Self-Heal overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of self-heal depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for self-heal. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
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- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Chevallier A. Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 2nd ed. New York, NY: DK Publ, Inc., 2000.
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- Kim J, Cho K, Choung SY. Protective effect of Prunella vulgaris var. L extract against blue light induced damages in ARPE-19 cells and mouse retina. Free Radic Biol Med. 2020 May 20;152:622-631.
- Ahmad G, Masoodi MH, Tabassum N, Mir SA, Iqbal MJ. Invivo hepatoprotective potential of extracts obtained from floral spikes of Prunella vulgaris L. J Ayurveda Integr Med. Oct-Dec 2020;11(4):502-507.