Home Remedies Using Wound Root

Species Name: Prunella vulgaris

Also Known As: Self heal, all heal, heal all, hook heal, slough heal, brunella, Heart of the Earth, blue curls, Carpenter weed, sicklewort, Xia Ku Cao, wound root, dragonhead, Hercules' woundwort

Wound root is a perennial herb that grows throughout Europe, Asia, and the United States in temperate climates.

This creeping wildflower is prolific and often considered a weed. It grows to a height of 1-2 feet tall, with edible leaves and small lavender colored flowers.

While this plant is a member of the mint family, it does not have a mint flavor or fragrance. The leaves, stems and flowers can be used in salads, boiled as a pot herb, or added to stews and soups.

What is wound root? The whole wound root plant can be used medicinally. The leaf, stem, flowers and roots can be utilized either fresh or dried. It is found in teas, tinctures, bulk herb, and in salves and lotions.

Benefits of Wound Root:

Noted historical use of wound root begins during the Han Dynasty in China about 204 B.C. where it was used to treat liver ailments, conjunctivitis, and high blood pressure.

Wound root was also designated as an Holy Herb, believed to be provided by God to cure all ailments of beast or man, and useful in driving away the devil.

A Native American tribe would drink a tea made from wound root before hunting in order to sharpen their powers of observation.

Today we know that wound root is thought to be an alterative, which is a “health restoring” quality. It has antiseptic and antibacterial aspects which can help with infections. It also has the ability to expel worms.

It is thought to be a fever reducer and can reduce or facilitate the amount of gas to balance out the digestive system.

It is thought to be able to reduce blood pressure.

It is said to be able to contract tissue to halt or staunch bleeding. It can be used as a remedy for bruises and cuts.

Today wound root is specifically utilized as a powerful astringent herb, used to treat both internal and external wounds. With all of its abilities it is recommended in strengthening the immune system and is believed to be a panacea, something of a cure-all with an extensive list of uses.

Wound root is used to treat the following:

  • Sore mouth and throat
  • Diarrhea
  • Liver and heart weakness
  • Grave’s disease
  • Pink eye
  • Fevers
  • Internal bleeding
  • Swollen glands
  • Mumps
  • excessive menstrual bleeding
  • Reduce swelling in: goiters, breast lumps, cancer, tumors

The antibacterial action of wound root is believed to inhibit the growth of pseudomonas or bacteria that can cause diseases. Bacillus typhi, E.coil., and Mycobacterium tuberculi are some stronger strains that might be negatively affected by wound root..

The antiviral properties in wound root have shown promise in cancer, AIDS, and diabetes research. It is used to treat HIV, leukemia, and herpes infections.

Externally wound root can be used in the treatment of insect bites, burns, ulcers, sores, open wounds, scratches, and bruising.

It is believed to reduce scarring and can be used as an eye wash for any eye infections.

Side Effects of Wound Root:

It is important to note that wound root may interfere with prescription blood thinners like plavix, coumadin, etc.

If you have diarrhea, nausea, stomachache or vomiting, you should consult a physician before using wound root.

Please consult with a doctor before trying any new herbal regime.