Although
the flowers and leaves of Heal All are well known for their healing properties,
the reach of Heal-All’s reputation probably has more to do with its broad
range of application and the ready availability of the plant than for any
miracle cures it has performed. It
is a mild astringent and anti-inflammatory, especially soothing and cooling for
mouth or throat inflammations. The
fresh plant makes a good compress for cuts and wounds of all kinds.
The
Chinese use Prunella as an astringent, it will also work to treat
enlarged and infected lymph glands and to reduce blood pressure.
Modern research has proven that it has moderate to mild vasodilating
effects. Other Chinese research
also shows Heal All to be moderately effective against a range of pathogens
including Shigella and E. coli, which can cause enteritis and
urinary tract infections. Traditional
Chinese medicine uses Heal All to treat “liver fire”, the symptoms of which
can be irritability, excitability, hyperactivity and high blood pressure.
Heal
All also contains flavonoids as well as vitamins A, B, C, K and fatty acids, as
well as volatile oils and a bitter agent.
It is usually taken as a tea, using about a tablespoon of herb per cup of
tea.
