Self-Heal Flower Essence

Yesterday I saw that Self-Heal, Prunella vulgaris was blooming enthusiastically, so I made a flower essence. It was a perfect day for it. In my garden, Self-Heal grows intimately with herbs, flowers and vegetables. I like to think it sends out an extra healing element to everything.

As a flower essence, Self-Heal imparts a healthy, vital sense from within oneself where the healing forces originate. It also gives a deep sense of wellness and wholeness.

It is to be used when there is an inability to take responsibility for one's healing, when one is lacking in spiritual motivation for wellness and when one is overly dependent on external help.

It is considered to be one of the most fundamental and broadly applicable remedies for true soul healing and balance. Its name evokes these qualities, indicating that the Self is capable of becoming involved with and being responsible for its own healing journey. Without motivation from within, no form of external techniques can bring about healing.

Self-Heal flower essence addresses a very special relationsiip between the etheric, or life body, and the Spiritual Self. On the physical level,the etheric body restores wholeness to wounds and other afflictions by quite literally "re-covering" the body with its life sheath. Self-Heal flower essence is indicated for those who have lost belief in their own capacity to be well, or who have abdicated this responsibility to healers or others. It is a beneficial remedy for those who face great healing challenges, whether physical, mental, or spiritual.

The Flower Essence Society makes a Self-Heal flower essence, as well as a lovely cream.

Excerpted from Flower Essence Repertory, by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz

Called the "flower of confidence," Self-Heal is a member of the mint family and is loved by bees. Originally from Europe, it has become nativized on this continent.

Its original name was Brunella or Brunellen, from German because it was used to treat die Breueun, an inflammatory mouth and throat problem common to soldiers in garrisons. Self-Heal was commonly used for throat complaints because, according to the doctrine of signatures, its corolla resembles a throat with swollen glands. There is much lore regarding this plant and its many healing properties, and it was seen as one of the best herbs to grow for home use.

It can be used in many types of healing remedies, including teas, syrups, salves, tinctures, homeopathic remedies and flower essences. I make an infused oil with it which I include in my healing salve "Sea Witch Salve." For more information about the salve see my website.


As a flower essence, it can increase our confidence in our own ability to heal ourselves on all levels. Self-Heal helps to reduce dependence on others and to inspire motivation and belief in our own inherent healing powers.

Excerpted from The Complete Floral Healer, by Anne McIntyre.

It is safe for general use - no known contraindications.

From my own experience, I would say that if you want to grow it, make sure you contain it because it spreads everywhere. At this time of the year it makes a lovely low-growing plant with intense purple spikes of flowers. Later, it dries out and is not very attractive.