Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe and Asia, for addressing a range of ailments including swollen lymph nodes and glandular swellings. In traditional Chinese medicine, Self-Heal is considered to have properties that clear heat and dissipate nodules, and it has been used historically for conditions such as lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes), goiter, and other glandular swellings. European folk medicine also refers to its use for "king's evil" (scrofula), a tubercular swelling of the lymph nodes.

Despite its traditional reputation, scientific validation for Self-Heal's effects on lymph nodes or glands is minimal. Some pharmacological studies have identified anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities in extracts of Prunella vulgaris, but these studies are mostly in vitro or in animal models and do not directly address swollen lymph nodes in humans. There are no well-controlled clinical trials that specifically support Self-Heal for this indication. Therefore, while the use of Self-Heal in this context is justified by historical and traditional practices, modern scientific evidence remains limited.