Permaculture Plants: Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris

I treasure the blooming of beautiful Prunella vulgaris - Self Heal. It's a wild, non-native around here, that shows up along roads and paths and in garden beds. This is one of those plants that puts into question the definition of "weed." It spreads profusely, but is pretty and functional in the garden - I see it more as a gift.

Their bluish purple flowers seem to glow against the green of other foliage. The flowers are a complex cluster, and bees love them. They call to mind a cathedral or castle tower with many chambers inside. These soon turn into seeds; once you have one or two Self Heal, you'll have them forever. I think that's a good thing; as a landscaper, it feels like a waste removing them from clients' gardens, and often leave one or two in strategic areas, pulling just the ones that are in inconvenient places.

It is a clumping groundcover, that prefers sun but won't flourish if too dry. Takes advantage of disturbed soil but thrives in fertile areas. The better the soil, the taller the flowers.

The tops and flowers can be picked and used fresh or dry in hot or cold teas. It can be used in a poultice or salve for wounds, gargles for a sore throat and is a general tonic for well being. I think there is a reason this plant is so plentiful, and wants to grow everywhere in our disturbed areas; we have a lot of self-healing to do. Now that the weather has warmed up, I'll be tossing a few into herbal iced teas (how easy is that?) and of course leaving some for the bees, and just to admire.