Thicket/ Self-heal

COMMON NAME: Self Heal

OTHER COMMON NAME(S): Carpenter’s Weed, Heal All, Cure-All

SCIENTIFIC NAME: Prunella vulgaris

FAMILY: Lamiaceae

COMMUNITY: Thicket

STATUS: Native (variety vulgaris introduced from Eurasia, other varieties native)

LIFESPAN: Perennial

HEIGHT: 3 to 12 inches

FLOWERING TIME: Early June to November

FRUITING TIME: Late July to October

DISTRIBUTION: Statewide in New Jersey

IDENTIFYING CHARACTERISTICS: Stem weak, square, simple, tufted, ascending from leafy tufted base ~ Flower petals bluish, violet or lavender, hook shaped ~ Leaves opposite, lance shaped to oval

GENERAL INFORMATION: This family of plants (Lamiaceae), commonly called the mint family, has 221 genera and 5.600 species of herbs, shrubs and a few trees.  It is a preeminent family of culinary and medical herbs including lavender, rosemary, sage, thyme, mint, balm, marjoram, savory and basil. The genus Prunella is from the Latin prunum meaning purple. An extract of Self Heal demonstrates potent antioxidant properties.  In earlier times Self Heal, applied as a fresh poultice was used to heal wounds including burns, boils, cuts and burses.  It could be applied externally for backaches and sore stiff leg muscles.  A gargle or mouth wash was used for sore throat and gum disease.  When prepared as a tea, Self Heal was used to treat internal bleeding and diarrhea. Gerard (1633), an early physician, wrote of “Selfe-heale” because “the decoction of Prunell (genus name) made with wine or water doth joine together and make whole and sound all wounds, both inward and outward”. Self Heal also yields a dye. Self Heal is a common weed.

Please note: While harvesting wild berries/fruit is permitted at Island Beach State Park, visitors must adhere to park regulations at all times and must not damage vegetation or go off designated trails.  This information is presented for educational purposes.