self-heal

self-heal or heal-all,weedy perennial (Prunella vulgaris) with the typical angular stems and bluish flowers of the family Labiatae (mint family). Although it probably originated in the Old World, self-heal is now distributed throughout temperate climates and is a common plant of North American pastures and open woods. It was formerly used as a domestic remedy for sore throats and other minor ailments. Prunella is classified in the division Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Lamiales, family Labiatae.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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