Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long-standing history of traditional use for supporting the healing of injuries, particularly minor wounds, cuts, and bruises. In European, Chinese, and Native American herbal medicine, Self-Heal was topically applied as a poultice or made into washes to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation. The common name "Self-Heal" itself reflects this historical association with injury recovery. Traditional texts attribute its efficacy to its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, which were thought to protect wounds from infection and support tissue repair.

Scientifically, Self-Heal contains compounds such as rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid, and various flavonoids, which have demonstrated mild anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects in vitro. However, there are only limited animal studies and very few clinical trials evaluating its effectiveness specifically for treating injuries in humans. Most modern use as a wound-healing herb is still based on folklore and anecdotal evidence rather than robust scientific validation. While some laboratory studies support its traditional uses, the overall evidence base is modest, and more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for treating injuries.