Heal-All

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Yesterday I introduced you to the common milkweed and some of it's curious effects caused by compounds known as cardiac glycosides.  In keeping with the medicinal theme I wish to introduce you to Prunella vulgaris - a plant called Heal-All. A non-native member of the mint family this plant routinely makes its home in and along the edges of the trails at The Platz. 

As an herb it plays a role in folk-medicine and alternative healing.  If the internet is to be believed a weak infusion of the plant can be used as a medicinal eye wash for sties and pinkeye.  If you ingest a tea made from the plant it can treat fevers, diarrhea, sore mouth and throat, internal bleeding, and weaknesses of the liver and heart.  There is purported (questionable) clinical evidence of antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of pseudomonas, Bacillus typhi, E. coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculi supporting ts use as an alternative medicine internally and externally as an antibiotic and for hard to heal wounds and diseases.  Some suggest it can also cure herpes, cancer, AIDS, diabetes, and many other maladies.  Apparently I have a regular pharmacopeia of cure growing with abandon in my trails.

For kicks I crushed a bit between my gloved hands and it did smell remotely like skunky mint.  But I'm not eating any of it.