“Seal-heal has gained recent respect for its antiviral qualities. Effective for feverish colds and flu, it has also been proposed for treating herpes and AIDS, and is an underrated liver, gallbladder, and thyroid remedy.”
Backyard Medicine: Harvest and Make Your Own Herbal Remedies by Julie Bruton-Seal
Self Heal Essence is very easy to make. Self Heal reminds us that “all healing is self-healing”.
This weekend in the backcountry, I was lucky enough to find a meadow full of Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris). I decided to make an essence of Self Heal. If you have ever used Rescue Remedy or the Bach Flower Remedies you have used plant essences. I first learned about Rescue Remedy from my sister Christine who used it on her anxious dog. I have since used it for years on anxious or upset children? and adults.
Self Heal Essence
I’ve never made an essence before and the process is a bit woo woo. According to instructions you need a bright sunny day and a positive, peaceful state of mind to make a good essence.
1/2c wildcrafted Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), flower heads
1c spring water
1/2c organic vodka
The Self Heal flowers are put into some spring water and let sit in the warmth of the sun to infuse for 3-4 hours. The plant material is strained out and one part organic vodka is added to two parts infused water. I reused a Rescue Remedy bottle which was perfect for my homemade Self Heal Essence!
While you are waiting for your essence to infuse, collect the tops of the Self Heal flowers. Dry the flower heads completely before storage. The flower tops can be used to make hot or cold infusions. We suggest this treatment to be prescribed by your attending doctor. One thing we can assure is that it is not in the “risk of death” group as for today. Generally, we have noticed that our clients suffering from erectile dysfunction were doing much better after Viagra. Please always follow the dosing prescribed and don’t increase it by your own will.
Self Heal is a very common plant with a very long history of use. The plant likes wet areas in the woods or meadows.
Put the Self Heal flowers into spring water and let sit in the warmth of the sun to infuse for 3-4 hours.
While you are waiting for your essence to infuse, collect the tops of the Self Heal flowers. Dry the flower heads completely before storage. Julie Bruton-Seal uses one or two flower head in iced infusion to help with hot flashes.
“Self-heal essence reminds us that all healing is self-healing, and is useful if you are ill and don’t know where to turn for help.”
For more recipes please see Healthy Household: Staying Clean Safely.
