How to grow Self Heal (Heal All)

To grow Self Heal (Prunella vulgaris), also known as Heal All, you will need to follow these steps:
  1. Choose a location that has well-drained soil and partial shade to full sun exposure.
  2. Prepare the soil by loosening it with a garden fork and incorporating compost or well-rotted manure.
  3. Sow the seeds on the surface in late spring or autumn, covering them with a light layer of soil and seed sparingly or they may choke out other seedlings.
  4. Cover the seed with its own depth of soil to exclude light.
  5. Water regularly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged especially during dry spells.
  6. Thin out the seedlings as they grow to maintain a spacing of around 20 - 25 cm (8 to 10 inches) between plants or plant in clumps.
  7. Once established, the plants will spread out by producing runners and fill in the area.
  8. Cut back the plants regularly to promote bushiness and prolong the blooming period.
  9. Self Heal is an easy-to-grow herb that does not require much maintenance, but you may need to weed around it occasionally and reduce it to control spread

Heritage of Self Heal

Self Heal Herb, also known as All Heal or Prunella vulgaris, has a heritage dating back centuries in various traditional medicine systems. Chinese medicine uses it as Xiakucao to treat liver disease, sore throat, and fever, while Ayurvedic medicine uses it as Bhangra to address digestive disorders, respiratory infections, and skin diseases. Native Americans have used it as a medicinal herb for wounds, fevers, and sore throats, as well as a food source by eating its leaves raw or cooked. Currently, Self Heal Herb is still in use in traditional medicine systems, as well as in Western herbal medicine. It can be used for treating various conditions such as colds, flu, sore throat, and digestive disorders. Additionally, it can be applied topically to alleviate skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. Furthermore, Self Heal Herb is a culinary herb that is added to soups, stews, and salads. It is an abundant source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which makes it a healthy addition to any diet.
Plant Height 10 - 30cm (⅜" - 1⅛")
Season of Interest Spring / Summer
Temperature Range 15 - 21°C (59 - 70°F)
Annual / Perennial / Biennial Perennial
Frost Hardy / Tender Hardy
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade Part Shade / Full Sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings Sow in tray early spring / direct late spring
Seed Preparation No special preparation required
Sowing Depth 0.3 - 6mm (⅛ - ¼")
Plant Spacing 20 - 30cm (¾" - 1⅛")
Row Spacing 30 - 45cm (1⅛" - 1'6")
Watering Regular watering
Good Companion Plants Chamomile, Calendula, Yarrow, Dill, Fennel, Thyme, Sage, Lavender
Bad Companion Plants Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli, etc.), Nightshades (tomatoes, peppers, etc.), Legumes (peas, beans, etc.)
Diseases Powdery mildew, Rust, Leaf spot, Root rot, Verticillium wilt,

HERB-SELF HEAL-HEAL ALL

$3.50

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More About Direct Compost Solutions

When I started this journey in 2009, I found nothing existed commercially, that was reasonably priced and easy to use. There was a homemade system which I also found was not that user-friendly.

Then a friend of mine told me about a homemade method she used. However, when I tried her method, I found this also didn't suit my needs, as it too had flaws that I considered where important. It did not keep vermin out, did not have a lockable lid and (to me) looked unsightly in the garden.