Harvesting Self Heal and Its Utilization Techniques
Self Heal, a common wild herb found in many parts of the world, is known for its tough, reddish stems and distinctive flowers. This humble plant offers a variety of uses, from herbal remedies to culinary delights.
Standing between 2 and 12 inches tall, Self Heal stems are square and green, though they may turn reddish at the tip. The leaves, ovate to lance-shaped, are about one inch long and a little more than half an inch wide, often smooth or sparsely haired.
Self Heal flowers are unique, with tubular shapes and two lips. The top lip is typically purple, while the bottom lip is often white or purple, but they may also be bluish or pinkish. A noteworthy feature is the hairy bracts (specialized leaves) present beneath the flowers.
This versatile plant can be used in various ways. For internal use, Self Heal can be made into herbal tinctures, herbal serums, herbal oxymels, herbal-infused vinegar, herbal-infused honey, and simple herbal teas, all of which are said to provide immune support and skin protection.
Moreover, Self Heal can be used in salves, ointments, massage oils, and poultices for external use. Its culinary applications are equally diverse, with Self Heal being a delicious addition to many recipes. You can eat it raw or cooked, making it a versatile option for foragers.
While Self Heal is a well-known plant, there are other edible wild weeds to explore. Chickweed, Yarrow, Wild Violets, Fireweed (Rosebay Willowherb), Saskatoons (Serviceberries), Wild Black Cherries, and Chokecherries are some summer foraging options.
It's also important to distinguish Self Heal from other similar plants. For instance, Henbit can be distinguished by its more roundish leaves with deeply scalloped margins, lower leaves with petioles, and narrower flowers without fringed lower lips. Ground Ivy, on the other hand, has kidney or fan-shaped leaves, while Self Heal's leaves are lance-shaped or ovate. Ground Ivy reproduces with stolons, stems that run along the ground and root at nodes.
Interestingly, there is no information indicating any traditional Chinese medicinal herb referred to as "Braune Fleckenschwelle" ("Brown Spot Threshold").
Self Heal produces smooth, shiny brown nutlets, which ripen between August and September. So, next time you're out for a walk, keep an eye out for this versatile and nutritious wild herb.
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