Self-heal

Self-heal is a good example of an herb used both in traditional Chinese and Western cultures. In Europe, the herb has been used since the Middle Ages and is mentioned in 16th-century herbals as a wound-healing herb and a gargle for diseases of the mouth and tongue. In Chinese medicine it is traditionally used for goiter or swollen glands, conjunctivitis, carbuncles, and eye inflammation.

In China self-heal has been used since at least the 14th century as a cleansing herb that normalizes liver enzyme output and reduces fevers. In traditional Chinese medical thinking, each internal organ associates with a sense organ, and the liver is associated with the eyes. Self-heal tea can be used as either a wash or a tea to help ease eyestrain, red and itchy eyes, sties, and other eye inflammation. The tea or extract can also help relieve dizziness and headaches associated with a liver imbalance.

Self-heal is loaded with protective and antioxidant compounds known as phenolics, which act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties similar to the ones found in pomegranates and green tea. Since the taste is mild and refreshing, the herbal tea or extract can be used regularly as a healthy, calming drink for the liver, skin, and the whole body. It is used internally and externally for wounds, burns, and rashes.

A number of current studies show that self-heal can protect the blood vessels and has antiviral effects against influenza, herpes sores, and HIV/AIDS.

Self-heal has a taste of SALTY, BITTER and a temperature of COOL.