Herb
Self-Heal
A common little meadow flower, used as a tea or gargle, traditionally valued for soothing sore throats and minor wounds.
📊 How it ranks (our editor score) — 84/100Tap to see the breakdown
🌱 What it is
Self-heal is a small purple-flowered plant that grows wild in lawns and meadows across much of the world. Its name reflects centuries of traditional use as a soothing, all-purpose home remedy.
✨ Why it's good for you
- Traditionally used as a gargle to soothe a sore throat
- May help soothe minor cuts and scrapes when used as a wash
- Has a long folk history as a gentle, everyday herb
- Makes a mild, easy-to-drink tea
🥗 Nutrition
Per 1 cup brewed tea (240ml) · about 2 calories
- Rosmarinic acid
- Triterpenoids
- Negligible macronutrients
Source: Nutrition estimate (per typical serving)
🥄 How to use it
Steep 1 teaspoon of dried self-heal in hot water for 10 minutes and sip, or cool it and use as a gargleSwishing a warm liquid at the back of the throat, then spitting. How to make a gargle → for a sore throat or a wash for minor wounds.
How much: As teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea →, 1 teaspoon dried herbA plant, or part of one, used for flavor, food, or gentle health support. More → per cup, or a cooled gargleSwishing a warm liquid at the back of the throat, then spitting. How to make a gargle →/wash, as needed.
Show full details & how to prepare it
Self-heal is a modest purple-flowered plant of lawns and meadows whose very name reflects its long, all-purpose folk reputation. It's traditionally used as a soothing teaA warm drink made by steeping herbs in hot water. How to make a tea → and gargleSwishing a warm liquid at the back of the throat, then spitting. How to make a gargle → for sore throats and mouth irritation, and as a gentle wash for minor wounds and cold sores.
Ways to prepare it
⚠️ Cautions
- Gentle and well tolerated.
- As with any herb, those on medication can check with a doctor; avoid large medicinal doses in pregnancy.
- Make sure foraged self-heal is correctly identified and from a clean area.
📚 What others say
- A traditional all-purpose soothing herb
- Its very name reflects a long folk healing reputation
Learn more
🕊️ A word of encouragement
A plain little flower whose name speaks of healing. Restoration often grows quietly underfoot.
💬 Ask Remy about Self-Heal
📚 Resource confidence
Based on mentions in health references
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