The botanical name for Self-heal is Prunella vulgaris. There are several herbs whose common name is All-heal.

An infusion of the leaves taken thrice daily will soothe inflamed membranes associated with diarrhoea. Applied to cuts, it will stop bleeding and reduce scarring. It is one of the best wound herbs. Use as a gargle and mouthwash for sore throats and laryngitis. Apply juice of leaves, flowers or root to alleviate a headache. Useful in the treatment of haemorrhoids and heavy menstruation. Good for sprains, burns, cuts, diabetic sores, boils, conjunctivitis, tinnitus, vertigo, hepatitis, jaundice, swollen glands and bruises. Infusions or weak decoctions are used for heart ailments, acne, bruises, burns, cuts and diabetic sores. Use the tea as a gargle for throat irritations or chew the leaves for sore throats. The tea can be used as a wash for inflamed or sore eyes. Research indicates in may be useful in the treatment of AIDS, heart disease, venereal disease and cancer. The flowers can be used in infusion for children who are hyperactive.

Usual Dosage: Pour 5 drops of the juice of the plant into 1/2 glass hot water. Allow to cool before drinking. Or pour 600ml boiling water over 30g dried herb, leave to steep for 10 minutes. Take 2-3 times daily, or use externally as a wash.

Some basic recipes:

To make a herbal ointment: Combine 1 part of powdered plant with 4 parts of softened lard or vegetable fat or petroleum jelly or mutton fat or melted beeswax or soft paraffin wax etc. Store for up to 3 months. (in the case of self-heal, use the leaves.)

To make a herbal cream: Combine 30g dried or 75g fresh herb with 150g emulsifying wax, melted, 70g glycerine and 80ml water. Strain mixture through a fine cloth or coffee filter. Stir constantly until the mixture is cool. Transfer to small jars, seal and label. 5ml of borax or a few drops of friarÂs balsam (tincture of benzoin) added to the mixture will extend shelf life. Storage time is about 3 months. Rub cream onto affected area 2-3 times a day.

1 Part Beeswax
1 Part hard butters like cocoa, can be mixed with softer butter like shea for desired consistency.
1 Part Carrier Oil like olive oil

I also put it in my lotions and facial washes, but I have moved and can't find my recipes. :o(

Daisyduck & Heathen,
Thanks for the recipes and info! I had read just a bit about prunella and knew it sounded good. Plenty of it growing wild at the garden too. Many wild herbs out there that I'm trying to identify and use if I can. Many more I have grown from seed or transplanted from gifts/trades. Very rewarding to use these in cooking and now experiment with medicinal use as well.