Self-heal Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Self-heal is a small flowering plant in the mint family. Its scientific name is Prunella vulgaris, and it is sometimes called "heal-all" because of its long history of use as a folk remedy. It grows widely across Europe, Asia, and North America, often in fields, lawns, and along roadsides.

The flowering tops and leaves have been used for centuries in traditional European herbal medicine and in traditional Chinese medicine, where the dried flower spike is known as "xia ku cao." People have used it as a tea, a tincture, and in topical preparations placed on the skin.

Self-heal contains a range of natural compounds, including rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, flavonoids, tannins, and polysaccharides. In test-tube studies, some of these compounds appear to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activity.

Researchers have also studied certain sugar-based compounds (polysaccharides) in the plant for possible effects on viruses and the immune system. However, these findings come mostly from cells and animals. The way these compounds behave in the human body, and whether they reach high enough levels to matter, is not well understood.

Self-heal has a long history of use in teas and foods, and it is generally thought to be well tolerated in small, food-like amounts. Still, high-quality human safety studies are lacking, especially for concentrated extracts taken over a long time.

People with allergies to plants in the mint family may react to it. Anyone with a chronic health condition, or who is taking prescription medicines, should check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Because there is not enough reliable safety information, self-heal should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. When safety is unknown, the cautious choice is to not use it.

Reported side effects are uncommon, partly because the herb has not been studied much in people. Possible effects include mild stomach upset or allergic reactions such as a skin rash, especially in people sensitive to mint-family plants.

Topical use could cause skin irritation in some people. Stop using it and seek medical care if you notice signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face or throat or trouble breathing.

There is no well-established, standardized dose for self-heal. Traditional use as a tea involves steeping the dried herb in hot water, but commercial products vary widely in strength and form.

If you choose to use a product, follow the directions on the label and do not exceed the recommended amount. Because product quality and concentration differ between brands, it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist for help choosing a reputable product and a sensible amount.