The Healer

From our walk the other day there is this.

Prunella vulgaris - commonly known as Heal-All. A non-native member of the mint family this plant routinely makes its home in and along the edges of our trails. 

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 questionable clinical evidence of antibacterial properties that inhibit the growth of pseudomonas, Bacillus typhi, E. coli, and Mycobacterium tuberculi supporting its 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 hands and it did smell remotely like skunky mint.  But I'm not eating any of it.