MISSOURI GIRL EATS WEEDS

Commonly called Heal-All or Self-heal, prunella vulgaris grows freely in fields and roadsides in our area. With a square stem, lavender flowers that look like a cluster of tiny orchids, and a delicate smell, Heal-all won’t be difficult to identify. It doesn’t get very tall, most of what I find are around 10 inches tall. The whole plant is edible and has been used medicinally for centuries. The flowers and tender leaves can be eaten raw in a salad or sprinkled on your soup or yogurt. Like many greens, the stems and older leaves are better cooked like spinach.  A refreshing tea can be made by steeping the plant parts in cold or hot water.

Favored more for its medicinal uses than as a salad green, this humble little flower boasts some impressive qualities, starting with its nutritional content, which includes vitamins A, B, C, K, flavonoids, and rutin. The flowers and leaves contain high levels of antioxidants. Studies show that it has antibiotic properties, specifically against pseudomas, E. Coli and Bacillus typhi. It’s being studied for possible treatment for diseases such as diabetes, AIDS, and cancer.  Research has shown this remarkable plant to have liver-protecting properties, and has been used traditionally to treat diarrhea, fever, to lower blood pressure, and to stop bleeding internally and externally. Native American peoples used heal all for skin conditions, to reduce fevers, and as a tea for the heart.

When in the field, you can chew up some leaves to make an emergency paste for wounds or insect stings. At home you can make it into a salve to treat insect bites, numerous skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema or acne, and to relieve hemorrhoids. Dry some to keep on hand for a tea when you feel a cold coming on. It can be used as a gargle or eye wash as well, and to reduce the swelling of lymph nodes. Your pantry should always contain some heal-all! Enjoy foraging this week!