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.

Wild Flower Walk

Plants and flowers have long held an important role in both folk and modern medicine.  Smooth penstemon (Penstemon digitalis) has been used to treat fever and the chills.  And if you chewed the root you might find relief from a toothache.

Meet 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 cures growing around here. 

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.

Heal-All

click image to enlarge

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.

Heal-All

Prunella vulgaris – Heal-All.

A member of the mint family this plant figures prominently in folk medicine.

We found this on our morning walk.  I wonder if it might work on a sore throat?

Wildflowers

Heal-All - Prunella vulgaris.

click on image to enlarge

A member of the mint family this plant is also called All-heal or Self-heal.  Folk-medicine aficionados ascribes healing qualities to the use of this native plant.