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Thursday, June 23, 2011

Self Heal - a very interesting wildflower with medicinal qualities and even a hidden alien face.

Self Heal, Prunella vulgaris, is blooming in sunny spots on the Mendonoma Coast. There are several of these interesting wildflowers growing on our property in Anchor Bay. Last year Frank Drouillard took a very close up photo of one and was startled to see what looks like an alien face. It startled me too!

Self Heal has amazing qualities. First, its leaves are edible. They are mildly bitter greens. But its medicinal qualities set it apart from other wildflowers who might be considered "just pretty faces." It is an antiseptic and has an antibacterial effect. It's believed to be effective in cases of food poisoning. Native peoples used it to treat cuts and inflammation. It's a wonder plant!


5 comments:

Frank Drouillard said...

Mint family aliens!

Anonymous said...

Perhaps the seed came from outer space...

Jeanne Jackson said...

Wildflower from outer space! Maybe we should let Spielberg know about this.

Sitakins said...

I think it looks like it has a lei around it.

Jeanne Jackson said...

If I hear a faint "aloha!" I'll be sure and let you know. ha!