Names and Myths

Prunella originally

Brunell German bruen an inflammation of the throat.

vulgaris common

Natural history / Folklore

European herb introduced due to the belief that it could to heal all. Since each flower had a mouth and a throat it was believed to work especially well for mouth and throat ailements.¹⁷ Spring leaves boiled for mouthwash, plant is astringent and helps stop bleeding.²² Medical research has not born out any of the claims.³⁹

Description

May – October  Square stem characteristic of the mint family. Irregular purple flowers, leaves in pairs. Roadsides, fields and lawns.