Herbs & Botanicals · Traditional thyroid and lump herb
Self-heal
Prunella vulgaris · also called Heal-all, xia ku cao, Prunellae Spica
Self-heal is a small mint-family plant whose dried flower spike (xia ku cao) is used in Chinese medicine for goitre and neck lumps. Most human research is small Chinese trials adding it to thyroid medicine, and the evidence is low quality. Antiviral and cancer findings are lab-only. The main caution is the thyroid: do not use it on its own for thyroid disease or alongside thyroid drugs without your doctor.
General information, not medical advice. Last substantive update · Not medically reviewed. A named clinician has not signed off on this page. How this page is made
About Self-heal
Self-heal is a mint-family plant whose dried flower spike is used in Chinese medicine for goitre and neck lumps. Small Chinese trials add it to thyroid medicine and report lower thyroid hormones, but certainty is low. Safety data are thin and the thyroid is the main caution.
What it is
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris, also called heal-all or xia ku cao) is a low-growing plant in the mint family. GBIF lists it as an accepted species.
In Chinese medicine the dried flower spike is used to clear liver heat and disperse swelling. It has been used for goitre, neck lumps, dizziness and sore eyes. Two compounds, rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, are used as quality markers.
What the research shows
The best human research is on the thyroid. Two pooled analyses of small Chinese trials found that adding self-heal preparations to antithyroid drugs was linked to lower thyroid hormones and antibodies and fewer adverse events. Relapse did not differ. The reviewers rate certainty low to very low.
A 2021 analysis of thyroid nodule trials found better efficacy rates with self-heal added to levothyroxine, with uncertain study quality.
Outside the thyroid, there is one small Korean trial for male urinary symptoms and one small toothpaste trial. Antiviral and cancer work is from the lab only.
How to read this evidence
The thyroid trials are mostly small, from single Chinese centres, with little blinding and mixed products. They tested self-heal as an add-on, never as a replacement for drugs.
One analysis and the male urinary trial have authors linked to companies. We read abstracts only.
At a glance
Traditional uses history, not proof
- Chinese medicine: clears liver heat, disperses swelling, used for goitre, neck lumps, dizziness and sore eyes
- Sore throat, fever and wounds in other traditions (a record of use, not proof)
Studied for research
- Overactive thyroid, added to drugs (17 small trials, low certainty)
- Thyroid nodules, added to levothyroxine (13 trials, low quality)
- Male urinary symptoms (one small trial)
- Gum inflammation (combination toothpaste, one small trial)
- Herpes virus (lab only)
Main compounds
- Rosmarinic acid (PubChem CID 5281792)
- Ursolic acid (PubChem CID 64945)
- Polysaccharides
- Flavonoids and other triterpenoids
Common forms
- Dried flower spike
- Oral liquid (Chinese patent medicine)
- Capsules or granules
- Tea or decoction
Research links: Meta-analysis: self-heal plus antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism (2025) · Meta-analysis: Prunella Oral Liquid for Graves disease (2026) · Meta-analysis: thyroid nodules (2021) · Trial: male urinary symptoms (2026) · Review: ethnopharmacology and pharmacology (2022) · Research Library · Genes & Biomarkers Library
The plant and its history
- Accepted scientific name
- Prunella vulgaris L.
- Naming authority
- L. (Linnaeus)
- Synonyms
- Prunella spica (herb name, Prunellae Spica)
- Common names
- Self-heal (English); Heal-all (English); Xia ku cao (Chinese (pinyin))
- Botanical family
- Lamiaceae (mint family)
- Classification
- Plantae > Lamiales > Lamiaceae > Prunella > Prunella vulgaris
- Native range
- Not verified from a source read.
- Habitat
- Not verified.
- What the plant looks like
- Roots: Not verified; Stems: Not verified; Leaves: Not verified; Flowers: The dried flower spike (spike-like fruit cluster) is the part used in Chinese medicine (Prunellae Spica).; Fruit: The 2022 review calls the dried spike the dried fruit spike.
- Cultivation
- Not verified.
- Harvest and processing
- Not verified.
- Look-alikes and adulterants
- Name: Other Prunella species; Note: Not covered in the sources read. Check that the product names Prunella vulgaris.
- Sustainability and conservation
- Not verified.
Traditional use and history history, not clinical proof
| Tradition or era | Documented use | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Traditional Chinese medicine | Dried spike (xia ku cao) is bitter, acrid and cold, belongs to the liver and gallbladder channels, clears liver heat, improves vision and disperses swelling; used for photophobia, dizziness, scrofula, goitre and breast conditions. | p35814234 |
| Other traditions | Our nutrient summary says elsewhere it is used for sore throat, fever and wounds. Source: the same review; not re-read. | p35814234 |
Traditional use shows how a plant was used. It does not show that a supplement works or is safe today.
What is inside, and how it may work
What the plant contains and how those compounds act in cells and animals. Laboratory and animal mechanisms are not proven effects in people.
Main compounds
| Compound | Family | Where it is concentrated | Activity studied | Level of evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid PubChem 5281792 | Phenolic acid | Spike | Studied in lab work for anti-inflammatory, immune and antioxidant effects; named as a main active constituent of Prunella Oral Liquid by Chen 2027. A quality-control marker. 9 2 | Laboratory research |
| Ursolic acid PubChem 64945 | Triterpenoid | Spike | A quality-control marker triterpenoid; lab research only. 9 5 | Laboratory research |
| Polysaccharides (e.g. PVE30 complex) | Polysaccharide | Spike | Blocked herpes simplex virus 1 in human skin cells and raised interferon signalling in a 2026 cell study. 7 | Laboratory research |
Mechanisms, receptors and pathways
| Target or pathway | Gene or receptor | What was found | Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Innate immune signalling against HSV-1 | STING-TBK1-IRF3 | PVE30 pre-treatment raised IFN-beta and antiviral genes and cut viral DNA in human keratinocytes. 7 | Laboratory research |
| Thyroid autoimmunity and inflammation | Not established | Trials found lower TNF-alpha and higher IL-10 with the add-on in hyperthyroidism, but the mechanism is not shown. 6 | Human observational |
Absorption, metabolism and elimination
- Absorption
- No human data found.
- Distribution
- No data.
- Metabolism
- No data.
- Elimination
- No data.
- Bioavailability
- Not established in humans.
Isolated compounds versus whole extracts
The 2022 review describes many compound classes (triterpenoids, flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, organic acids, volatile oils, polysaccharides). No single compound has been shown to explain a human effect.
Nutritional composition
Not a nutrient. A nutrient table is not meaningful for a medicinal herb.
1 low certainty3 very low certainty3 not enough evidence
What is Self-heal good for?
The studied uses and how strong the human evidence is. 'Low' means pooled small trials of poor quality. 'Very-low' means one or two small or uncertain studies. 'Insufficient' means no usable human trial. Safety comes first: see the Safety tab.
Benefits, one by one
Each card is a research question, not a promise. Tap a goal to filter. Open a card to see the studies, doses and limits.
Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): added to antithyroid drugs
Low certaintyIn China, self-heal preparations have been added to antithyroid drugs. A 2025 pooled analysis of 17 small trials found lower thyroid hormones and antibodies and fewer side effects than drugs alone. Relapse was not different. Certainty is low.
2 studiesProducts differ: dried herb preparations, oral liquid, capsules. Amou…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Wei 2025: 17 randomised trials, 1,366 people, self-heal preparations plus antithyroid drugs vs drugs alone. Chen 2027: 9 trials, 966 people with Graves disease, Prunella Oral Liquid added to standard treatment.
Results
Lower free T3, free T4 and TRAb; higher TSH; smaller thyroid lobes; fewer adverse events. No clear difference in relapse.
Effect sizes as reported
Free T3 SMD -0.98, free T4 SMD -0.82, TRAb SMD -1.11, adverse events RR 0.34 (Wei 2025). Oral liquid review: TRAb SMD -1.26, adverse events RR 0.35 (Chen 2027).
Why this rating
Both reviews rate the evidence low or very low: small single-centre Chinese trials, little blinding, and mixed preparations. The 2027 oral liquid review has a company-linked author.
Form and dose studied
Products differ: dried herb preparations, oral liquid, capsules. Amounts are not covered here. Ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Who was studied
People with hyperthyroidism or Graves disease, already treated with standard drugs.
Limits
No trial tested self-heal instead of standard treatment. Relapse did not differ. Results come mostly from China.
Why researchers looked
Self-heal (xia ku cao) is used in Chinese medicine for goitre and neck lumps, so thyroid disease is its most studied human use.
Traditional use
Dried flower spikes have long been used in Chinese medicine for goitre, scrofula and lumps (Pan 2022 review).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal work suggests rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols may calm inflammation and immune signalling. How this would help a human thyroid has not been shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Thyroid disease needs medical care. Do not use self-heal to replace antithyroid drugs or to treat yourself. It may change thyroid hormone levels, so tell your doctor.
Thyroid nodules: added to thyroid hormone tablets
Very low certaintyA 2021 pooled analysis of 13 trials found that adding self-heal to levothyroxine improved the reported effective rate and slightly reduced nodule size. Quality was uncertain.
1 studiesPreparations varied.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Han 2021: 13 randomised trials, 1,468 people, self-heal preparation plus levothyroxine or thyroxine vs tablets alone.
Results
Better clinical efficacy rate; smaller nodule diameter; no clear change in adverse reactions.
Effect sizes as reported
Efficacy RR 1.22 (1.11 to 1.33); nodule diameter MD -0.43 (-0.63 to -0.22); adverse reactions RR 0.67 (0.36 to 1.22).
Why this rating
The authors say study quality is uncertain and ask for better trials. Chinese trials, mixed products.
Form and dose studied
Preparations varied.
Who was studied
Adults with thyroid nodules treated with thyroid hormone tablets.
Limits
Quality uncertain. Nodule size is a surrogate marker. Not tested as a stand-alone treatment.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use for neck lumps led Chinese researchers to test it in thyroid nodules.
Traditional use
Traditional use for lumps and swellings (Pan 2022).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal work suggests rosmarinic acid and other polyphenols may calm inflammation and immune signalling. How this would help a human thyroid has not been shown.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Thyroid nodules should be checked by a doctor. Do not self-treat a neck lump.
Male urinary symptoms (lower urinary tract symptoms)
Very low certaintyOne 12-week Korean trial in 80 men found a bigger drop in symptom score with self-heal extract than with placebo. Urine flow and prostate size did not change.
1 studiesExtract 600 mg/day was used in this trial. Do not take this as advice…
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Kim 2026: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 80 men aged 40-75, extract 600 mg/day for 12 weeks.
Results
Total IPSS fell 5.2 vs 2.8 points; voiding score and quality of life improved more; no difference in maximum flow or prostate volume; adverse events low and similar.
Effect sizes as reported
IPSS -5.2 +/- 4.6 vs -2.8 +/- 4.3, p=0.014
Why this rating
A single small trial with company-linked authors, no objective flow benefit, not yet repeated.
Form and dose studied
Extract 600 mg/day was used in this trial. Do not take this as advice. Ask a doctor or pharmacist about amounts.
Who was studied
Men 40-75 with moderate symptoms.
Limits
One trial, 12 weeks, 75 completers. Symptom score is self-reported.
Why researchers looked
Animal work in rats suggested effects on prostate-related urinary symptoms.
Traditional use
Not a traditional use in the sources read.
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Not established in humans.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Urinary symptoms can signal other problems. See a doctor first.
Gum inflammation (gingivitis): toothpaste
Very low certaintyA small 2004 Czech trial of a toothpaste containing Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris reduced gum bleeding signs over 84 days. We cannot tell what self-heal added.
1 studiesToothpaste, not a tea or capsule.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
Adamkova 2004: double-blind, placebo-controlled, 40 volunteers completed 84 days.
Results
Better CPITN and papillary bleeding index than placebo toothpaste.
Why this rating
Combination product, small trial, very short abstract.
Form and dose studied
Toothpaste, not a tea or capsule.
Who was studied
Adults with gingivitis.
Limits
Cannot separate Prunella from Macleya; old and small.
Why researchers looked
Self-heal is used in some mouth and throat remedies.
Traditional use
Traditional use for sore throat (Pan 2022).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab work suggests antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
None specific.
Herpes simplex (cold sores): lab findings only
Not enough evidenceIn cell and animal studies, a polysaccharide from self-heal blocked herpes simplex virus. No human cold-sore trial was found.
2 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial found. Lab and animal findings only (Zhang 2026; Pan 2022).
Results
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Only cell and animal data.
Form and dose studied
Not applicable.
Who was studied
None.
Limits
No human evidence at all. A withdrawn 2021 paper on a related polysaccharide was skipped.
Why researchers looked
Antiviral activity is a major theme in lab work on self-heal.
Traditional use
Traditional use for infections, fever and sore throat (Pan 2022).
Proposed mechanism Laboratory research
A polysaccharide complex raised interferon-beta signalling through STING-TBK1-IRF3 in human skin cells.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not replace prescribed antivirals with self-heal.
Cancer: lab research only
Not enough evidenceLab studies report anti-tumour effects. The 2022 review calls clinical evidence lacking. Self-heal should not be used to treat cancer.
1 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial read.
Results
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Laboratory only.
Form and dose studied
Not applicable.
Who was studied
None.
Limits
No human evidence.
Why researchers looked
Traditional use for lumps, and for breast conditions in Chinese medicine.
Traditional use
Used traditionally for scrofula and swellings (Pan 2022).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Cell and animal studies only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Do not delay proven cancer care.
Blood pressure and blood sugar: animal and lab only
Not enough evidenceThe 2022 review lists blood-pressure-lowering and blood-sugar-lowering effects from lab and animal work. We read no human trial. This is why the safety tab mentions possible overlap with blood pressure and diabetes medicines.
1 studiesNot applicable.
Studies, doses and limits
What the trials found
No human trial read.
Results
Not applicable.
Why this rating
Animal and lab findings only.
Form and dose studied
Not applicable.
Who was studied
None.
Limits
No human evidence.
Why researchers looked
Listed among pharmacological effects in the review.
Traditional use
Traditional use for dizziness and headache with liver heat (Pan 2022).
Proposed mechanism Preliminary mechanism
Lab and animal only.
A proposed mechanism does not show that the effect happens in people.
Possible additive effect with blood pressure and diabetes drugs (theory).
Connections to the rest of health
How Self-heal connects to the rest of our health knowledge graph. Every link says what kind of connection it is. A safety link (for example to the liver) is a warning, not a benefit. A study that merely mentions a topic never creates a benefit link.
Explore every connection: goals, body systems, organs, symptoms, genes
A. Wellness goals
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thyroid Support | Low certainty | Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): added to antithyroid drugs: In China, self-heal preparations have been added to antithyroid drugs. A 2025 pooled analysis of 17 small trials found lower thyroid hormones and antibodies and fewer side effects than drugs alone. Relapse was not different. Certainty is low. Thyroid nodules: added to thyroid hormone tablets: A 2021 pooled analysis of 13 trials found that adding self-heal to levothyroxine improved the reported effective rate and slightly reduced nodule size. Quality was uncertain. | 6 2 3 | |
| Mens Vitality | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Male urinary symptoms (lower urinary tract symptoms): One 12-week Korean trial in 80 men found a bigger drop in symptom score with self-heal extract than with placebo. Urine flow and prostate size did not change. | 4 |
| Healthy Teeth Gums | Potential benefit | Very low certainty | Gum inflammation (gingivitis): toothpaste: A small 2004 Czech trial of a toothpaste containing Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris reduced gum bleeding signs over 84 days. We cannot tell what self-heal added. | 1 |
| Immune Support | Not enough evidence | Herpes simplex (cold sores): lab findings only: In cell and animal studies, a polysaccharide from self-heal blocked herpes simplex virus. No human cold-sore trial was found. | 7 5 | |
| Cellular Protection | Not enough evidence | Cancer: lab research only: Lab studies report anti-tumour effects. The 2022 review calls clinical evidence lacking. Self-heal should not be used to treat cancer. | 5 | |
| Blood Sugar Balance | Not enough evidence | Blood pressure and blood sugar: animal and lab only: The 2022 review lists blood-pressure-lowering and blood-sugar-lowering effects from lab and animal work. We read no human trial. This is why the safety tab mentions possible overlap with blood pressure and diabetes medicines. | 5 | |
| Heart Health | Not enough evidence | Blood pressure and blood sugar: animal and lab only: The 2022 review lists blood-pressure-lowering and blood-sugar-lowering effects from lab and animal work. We read no human trial. This is why the safety tab mentions possible overlap with blood pressure and diabetes medicines. | 5 |
B. Body systems
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Endocrine System | Biological association | Low certainty | Studied for: Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism): added to antithyroid drugs Studied for: Thyroid nodules: added to thyroid hormone tablets | 6 2 3 5 |
| Urinary System | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Male urinary symptoms (lower urinary tract symptoms) | 4 |
| Oral Cavity | Biological association | Very low certainty | Studied for: Gum inflammation (gingivitis): toothpaste | 1 |
| Immune System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Herpes simplex (cold sores): lab findings only | 7 5 |
| Whole Body | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Cancer: lab research only | 5 |
| Cardiovascular System | Biological association | Not enough evidence | Studied for: Blood pressure and blood sugar: animal and lab only | 5 |
C. Body parts and organs
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thyroid | Drug or supplement interaction | Low certainty | Lowered thyroid hormones and antibodies when added to drugs in small Chinese trials. Monitoring needed. Lowered thyroid hormones when added to thyroid drugs in small trials; monitoring needed. Preparation or compound: Self-heal preparations added to thyroid drugs |
6 3 2 |
I. Biomarkers
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free T3 and free T4 (active thyroid hormones) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 2 |
| Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 2 |
| TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) | Biological association | Low certainty | Measured in trials: raised. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 6 |
| Thyroid nodule diameter | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 3 |
| IPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 4 |
| Gum bleeding and periodontal indexes (PBI, CPITN) | Biological association | Very low certainty | Measured in trials: lowered. A lab change is not the same as a health benefit. | 1 |
K. Biological pathways
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STING-TBK1-IRF3 | Preliminary mechanism | In vitro | Activated by a self-heal polysaccharide in human skin cells infected with HSV-1. | 7 |
L. Active compounds
| Connected to | Kind of connection | Evidence status | Context | Studies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rosmarinic acid | Biological association | In vitro | Studied in lab work for anti-inflammatory, immune and antioxidant effects; named as a main active constituent of Prunella Oral Liquid by Chen 2027. A quality-control marker. Preparation or compound: Spike |
9 2 |
| Ursolic acid | Biological association | In vitro | A quality-control marker triterpenoid; lab research only. Preparation or compound: Spike |
9 5 |
| Polysaccharides (e.g. PVE30 complex) | Biological association | In vitro | Blocked herpes simplex virus 1 in human skin cells and raised interferon signalling in a 2026 cell study. Preparation or compound: Spike |
7 |
Each connection is stored with the ingredient, the connected record, the kind of connection, the evidence status, the supporting studies, the preparation or compound involved, and a review date (last reviewed October 25, 2026).
The evidence
The research centre for Self-heal. Every record here was checked against PubMed or the publisher's page; we never list a study we have not verified.
Evidence by outcome
Bars show how many studies we found for each outcome, not how well it works. People are added up across trials only (reviews are not added, to avoid double counting).
How we rate evidence
High certainty
Several well-run trials or reviews agree; further research is unlikely to change the picture much.
Moderate certainty
Good trials point the same way, but some doubt remains.
Low certainty
Small, short or inconsistent trials. The finding could change with better research.
Very low certainty
Very little or very weak human data. Treat as a possibility only.
Mixed findings
Trials or reviews disagree with each other.
Not enough evidence
Not enough human research to say either way.
Evidence against
Good research found no benefit, or found harm.
We take the reviewers' own risk-of-bias and GRADE statements where they exist, and otherwise judge from study size, design, consistency, directness and whether a product matches what is sold. Many publications do not make evidence high. Method note: We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary or a title was available, we say so.
Study library: every study we checked 9
| Study | Design | People | Product, dose, length | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adamkova 2004 Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris in oral hygiene products - their efficacy in the control of gingivitis Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc · PMID 15523557 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
40 Volunteers with gingivitis |
Herbal toothpaste containing Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris (combination product) not stated 84 days · vs Placebo toothpaste |
The combination toothpaste reduced gum symptoms on the CPITN and bleeding indexes over 84 days. Self-heal cannot be separated from Macleya in this trial. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Plaque index, CPITN, papillary bleeding index Limitations: Abstract is very short. Combination product. Small trial from 2004. Funding and conflicts: Not stated in the abstract. Read: abstract |
| Chen 2027 Prunella Oral Liquid in combination with Western medical treatment for Graves' disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis J Ethnopharmacol (online July 2026) · PMID 42526549 · DOI |
Systematic review |
966 People with Graves' disease (9 randomised trials) |
Prunella Oral Liquid (Chinese patent medicine) plus Western treatment spike (product made from Prunella vulgaris) · vs Western treatment alone (antithyroid drug or iodine-131) |
Added to antithyroid drugs, the oral liquid further lowered FT3, FT4, TRAb and TgAb, raised TSH, reduced thyroid lobe size and lowered adverse events. Added to iodine-131 it lowered antibody levels. The reviewers rate certainty low to very low. All trials compared the add-on with standard treatment alone. FT3 SMD -0.94; FT4 SMD -0.87; TRAb SMD -1.26; adverse events RR 0.35 (FT3 -1.63 to -0.26; adverse events 0.13 to 0.94) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Thyroid hormones, antibodies, thyroid size, adverse events Limitations: Abstract only. Unclear allocation concealment and no blinding in many trials. Two authors list a pharmaceutical company (Shanghai Haitian Pharmaceutical Technology Development Co., Ltd.) as their affiliation, so treat as possibly industry-linked. Funding and conflicts: Authors declare no competing interests, but one affiliation is a pharmaceutical company. Read: abstract |
| Han 2021 Safety and efficacy of Prunella vulgaris preparation in adjuvant treatment of thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis Medicine (Baltimore) · PMID 34731129 · DOI |
Meta-analysis |
1468 People with thyroid nodules (13 randomised trials) |
Prunella vulgaris preparations plus levothyroxine or thyroxine tablets per product · vs Thyroid hormone tablets alone |
Adding self-heal to levothyroxine improved the clinical efficacy rate and reduced nodule diameter by about 0.4 (units as reported). Adverse reaction rate did not clearly differ. The authors say study quality is uncertain. Efficacy RR 1.22; nodule diameter MD -0.43; adverse reactions RR 0.67 (Efficacy 1.11 to 1.33; diameter -0.63 to -0.22; adverse reactions 0.36 to 1.22) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Clinical efficacy rate, nodule diameter, thyroid hormones, adverse reactions Limitations: Abstract only. Quality uncertain; more and better trials needed. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Kim 2026 Efficacy of Prunella vulgaris on Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial World J Mens Health · PMID 41047360 · DOI |
Controlled trial |
80 Men aged 40-75 with moderate lower urinary tract symptoms (IPSS 8-19) |
Prunella vulgaris extract not stated in abstract 600 mg/day 12 weeks · vs Placebo |
Symptom score fell more with self-heal extract than placebo (-5.2 vs -2.8). Voiding score and quality of life also improved more. Peak urine flow and prostate volume did not differ. Adverse events were low and similar. Total IPSS -5.2 +/- 4.6 vs -2.8 +/- 4.3 (p=0.014) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Total IPSS, subscores, quality of life, urine flow, prostate volume, safety Limitations: Abstract only. One 12-week trial in Korea, 75 completers. Authors are linked to two companies (Green Medicine Co., Ltd; Huons Foodience), so industry-linked. No objective flow or prostate-size benefit. Funding and conflicts: Company affiliations on authors; formal conflict statement lists only an editorial-board role. Read: abstract |
| Pan 2022 Prunella vulgaris L. - A Review of its Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Quality Control and Pharmacological Effects Front Pharmacol · PMID 35814234 · DOI |
Narrative review review |
Narrative review of traditional use, chemistry and mostly lab and animal research | Prunella vulgaris (dried fruit spike) |
Traditional uses for photophobia, dizziness, scrofula, goitre and breast cancer; lab and animal work on anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antiviral, immune, blood-pressure, blood-sugar, lipid, liver and sedative effects. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Traditional uses; lab and animal pharmacology Limitations: Only the abstract was read here (our nutrient summary reports reading the full review). The abstract says clinical evidence needs strengthening. Funding and conflicts: No commercial conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| Wei 2025 Efficacy and safety of Prunella vulgaris L. combined with antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis Front Pharmacol · PMID 40083379 · DOI |
Systematic review |
1366 People with hyperthyroidism (17 randomised trials, mostly Chinese) |
Prunella vulgaris preparations plus antithyroid drugs spike / aerial part (per product) · vs Antithyroid drugs alone |
Adding self-heal preparations to antithyroid drugs was linked to lower free T3, free T4 and thyrotropin receptor antibody, smaller thyroid size, fewer adverse events, and higher TSH. Relapse rate, interleukin-6 and interferon gamma did not differ from drugs alone. Free T3 SMD -0.98; free T4 SMD -0.82; TRAb SMD -1.11; adverse events RR 0.34 (Free T3 -1.39 to -0.57; free T4 -1.16 to -0.47; TRAb -1.52 to -0.71; adverse events 0.24 to 0.50) Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Thyroid hormones, thyroid antibodies, thyroid size, inflammation markers, adverse events, relapse Limitations: Abstract only. The authors call the strength of evidence low and ask for better trials. Small single-centre Chinese trials. Different preparations pooled. Funding and conflicts: No commercial conflicts declared by the authors. Read: abstract |
| Zhang 2026 Protective effects of Prunella vulgaris polysaccharides against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection through the STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway J Integr Med · PMID 41506946 · DOI |
Lab study in-vitro |
Human immortalised skin cells (keratinocytes) infected with HSV-1 | Prunella vulgaris polysaccharide complex PVE30 spike · vs Untreated cells |
Pre-treating cells with PVE30 cut herpes virus DNA, mRNA and protein and raised interferon-beta signalling through STING-TBK1-IRF3. This is a cell study, not a human trial. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Viral DNA, mRNA and protein; interferon signalling Limitations: Cell study only. No human cold-sore trial result was read. Funding and conflicts: No conflicts declared. Read: abstract |
| s-gbif-self-heal 2026 GBIF species match: Prunella vulgaris L. (usageKey 5341297) · Source |
Database record n/a |
Exact match, ACCEPTED, confidence 99, family Lamiaceae, order Lamiales, genus Prunella. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Record read Read: full-text | ||
| s-pubchem-self-heal 2026 PubChem compound records: rosmarinic acid (CID 5281792, C18H16O8); ursolic acid (CID 64945, C30H48O3) · Source |
Database record n/a |
Both CIDs resolved by the PubChem API to the expected names and formulas. Methods, limits and fundingOutcomes: Record read Read: full-text |
What we do not know yet
- No trial tested self-heal alone for a thyroid problem.
- No human trial for cold sores, blood pressure, blood sugar or cancer.
- No human interaction, liver or pregnancy data.
- EMA, NCCIH, LiverTox and LactMed gave nothing usable.
How new research is added
New studies are found by a saved PubMed search and placed in a review queue. A person reads each one before it changes any rating or safety wording.
Lab markers
What changed in blood or saliva tests during trials. A changed number is not the same as feeling or being healthier, and we give no "normal ranges".
Hormonal 1
TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone)
Raised in trials
A pituitary hormone that rises when thyroid hormones are low.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Rises as the thyroid is brought under control.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Higher TSH than drugs alone; may reflect faster control or over-correction.
Safety implication
Watch for over-treatment (underactive thyroid) with doctor monitoring.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | TSH SMD 0.71 (0.43 to 0.99) | Hyperthyroidism | Self-heal preparations plus antithyroid drugs |
Other 5
Free T3 and free T4 (active thyroid hormones)
Lowered in trials
Hormones made by the thyroid that control metabolism.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
The main marker of how overactive the thyroid is.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Lower values than drugs alone, but certainty is low.
Safety implication
Large drops in thyroid hormone while on drugs need doctor monitoring.
Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb)
Lowered in trials
An antibody that drives Graves disease.
Low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Tracks the autoimmune side of Graves disease.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Lower antibody levels in small Chinese trials. Whether this means fewer relapses is not shown, since relapse did not differ.
Safety implication
None specific.
Thyroid nodule diameter
Lowered in trials
Size of the nodule on ultrasound.
Very low certaintyIPSS (International Prostate Symptom Score)
Lowered in trials
A questionnaire scoring urinary symptoms from 0 to 35.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Main outcome of the male urinary trial.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
A statistically significant drop in a self-reported score in one small trial.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | -5.2 +/- 4.6 vs -2.8 +/- 4.3 (p=0.014) | Men 40-75 with moderate LUTS | Prunella vulgaris extract 600 mg/day for 12 weeks |
Gum bleeding and periodontal indexes (PBI, CPITN)
Lowered in trials
Dentist scores for gum bleeding and treatment need.
Very low certaintyResults and what it means
Why it was measured
Used to judge gingivitis.
Statistical vs. clinical meaning
Combination product; effect of self-heal alone unknown.
Safety implication
None specific.
| Study | Result | People | Product |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Improved CPITN and papillary bleeding index vs placebo | 40 volunteers with gingivitis | Toothpaste with Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris |
Safety
What studies and official sources say about side effects, medicines and who should check first. Each point shows what kind of evidence it comes from.
Main points to know 3
- Thyroid: do not self-treat, and tell your doctor. Self-heal is traditionally used for goitre and nodules and has been studied alongside thyroid drugs, and it lowered thyroid hormones in trials when added to antithyroid drugs. If you have any thyroid disease or take thyroid medicine, using it on your own could push levels too low or too high. Talk to your doctor first and ask for blood tests. Nothing here is a reason to stop a thyroid medicine. Systematic review 6 3
- Safety data are thin. The 2022 review says toxicity and side effects are little studied and that medicine interactions are not well characterised. We found no human case report of liver injury, no pregnancy data and no regulator monograph. Absence of reports is not proof of safety. Narrative review 5
- Medicine interactions are untested. Lab and animal work reports blood-pressure-lowering and blood-sugar-lowering effects and immune effects. No interaction study in people was found. Treat the points below as cautions based on theory. Preliminary mechanism 5
Side effects 3
| Effect | How often | Severity and recovery | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Few adverse events in trials, similar to or fewer than controls The add-on groups were compared with drugs alone, so lower adverse events may reflect fewer drug side effects. Certainty low. | Adverse events lower with the add-on in the hyperthyroid review (RR 0.34) and the oral liquid review (RR 0.35); no clear difference in the nodule review (RR 0.67, 0.36 to 1.22). | mild (as reported) Not stated | Systematic review 6 2 3 |
| Low adverse-event rate in a 12-week trial in men (extract 600 mg/day) 80 men, 12 weeks. Authors linked to companies. Too small to find rare harms. | Low and similar to placebo (counts not in abstract) | mild Not stated | Controlled trial 4 |
| Stomach upset and skin reactions Listed in our nutrient summary as a possible concern, but no source we read gave numbers. Treated as unverified. | Not quantified | Not known Not known | Other |
Liver
No published human case of liver injury from self-heal was found in the PubMed search we ran. LiverTox was searched through NCBI Books and no Prunella entry was found. Several recent animal studies report liver protection, which is not evidence of safety in people. 5
How often. No frequency of human liver injury is known.
Monitoring. No agency monitoring advice was found. Stop and see a doctor for yellow skin or eyes, dark urine or severe tiredness.
This is a safety connection. It is not evidence that Self-heal supports liver health.
Medicines and supplements 6
| With | Why it matters | Importance | Evidence | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thyroid medicines (antithyroid drugs, levothyroxine, iodine-131) prescription | Trials gave self-heal alongside these drugs and found further changes in thyroid hormones, antibodies and thyroid size. | In trials the add-on lowered hormones and raised TSH more than drugs alone. This could mean extra effect, so doses may need monitoring. Trial participants were supervised. | Systematic review Low certainty 6 3 2 | Do not add or stop self-heal without your doctor, who may check thyroid blood tests. |
| Immunosuppressants (for transplants or autoimmune disease) prescription | Theory: lab and animal work reports immune-modulating effects. A cell study reports raised interferon signalling. | No human interaction study found. | Preliminary mechanism Not enough evidence 5 7 | Ask your transplant or specialist doctor before use. |
| Diabetes medicines (blood sugar lowering) prescription | Theory: the 2022 review lists blood-sugar-lowering effects in lab and animal work. | No human trial found. | Preliminary mechanism Not enough evidence 5 | If you take diabetes drugs, ask your doctor and check glucose more often if you start it. |
| Blood pressure medicines prescription | Theory: antihypertensive effects reported in lab and animal work. | No human trial found. | Preliminary mechanism Not enough evidence 5 | Ask your doctor; watch for dizziness. |
| Anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs (warfarin, aspirin) prescription | No interaction found in the sources read. Rosmarinic acid is studied in lab work for platelet effects, but this was not verified. | No data. | Other Not enough evidence | As a precaution, tell your doctor or pharmacist before combining. |
| Sedatives and sleep medicines prescription | Theory: the review lists sedative and hypnotic effects in animals; a 2024 mouse study is not included. | No human data. | Preliminary mechanism Not enough evidence 5 | Use caution with sedatives. |
Who should check first 6
| Situation | Advice | Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Pregnancy and breastfeeding | Avoid. No pregnancy or breastfeeding safety data were found (LactMed and regulators had no entry in our searches). | Gap |
| Thyroid disease or thyroid medicine without medical supervision | Do not self-treat. See Key safety. | Systematic review 6 |
| Transplant or immune-suppressing treatment | Ask the prescribing doctor first (theoretical concern). | Preliminary mechanism 5 |
| Children | No data on children. Avoid. | Gap |
| Hormone-sensitive conditions | Our nutrient summary flagged unread search snippets about lab effects on estrogen signalling in breast cells. This was not verified; ask your doctor if you have a hormone-sensitive condition. | Other |
| Allergy to plants in the mint family (Lamiaceae) | Possible cross-reaction (general principle, not verified for this herb). | Other |
Overdose, product quality and regulators
Summary. Toxicity is little studied. The 2022 review says toxicity and side effects need more research. No poisoning or overdose cases were found.
Animal. Not read for this build.
Human doses studied. The 12-week male LUTS trial used 600 mg/day of an extract. The other trials used Chinese preparations at unstated amounts in the abstracts.
High dose or long term signals. None found. Not enough data.
Overdose response. No overdose case found.
Genotoxicity. Not found.
Toxic plant parts. The flower spike is the part used. No toxic part is known.
No product testing study for self-heal was found.
Quality and species. The 2022 review discusses quality control by chemical markers (rosmarinic acid, ursolic acid) but no market survey was read. 5
| Body | Action | Date |
|---|
When to get medical help
- Palpitations, tremor, sweating or weight loss in someone with thyroid disease (thyroid too high)
- Extreme tiredness, cold intolerance or slow pulse (thyroid too low)
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine
- Swelling of the lips or face, or trouble breathing (allergy)
- A growing or hard neck lump (needs medical assessment)
Stop the supplement and contact a clinician or emergency service. In the US, Poison Control is 1-800-222-1222.
General information only, not medical advice. Ask a clinician or pharmacist before use, especially with medicines, in pregnancy or with a health condition. See the Natural Remedy Safety guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is self-heal?
Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris) is a small mint-family plant. Its dried flower spike, called xia ku cao in Chinese, is used in traditional Chinese medicine, mainly for goitre, neck lumps and sore eyes.
Is self-heal good for the thyroid?
Can I take self-heal instead of my thyroid medicine?
Does self-heal help thyroid nodules?
A 2021 analysis reported a better effective rate and slightly smaller nodules when added to levothyroxine, but quality was uncertain. A neck lump should be checked by a doctor.
Does self-heal treat cold sores?
Not shown. A polysaccharide blocked herpes virus in skin cells, but no human trial was found.
Does self-heal fight cancer?
No human evidence. Lab studies report anti-tumour effects, but the 2022 review says clinical evidence is lacking. Do not delay proven cancer care.
Does it help urinary symptoms in men?
One small 12-week Korean trial found a bigger symptom-score drop than placebo, but urine flow and prostate size did not change. The authors are linked to companies.
Is self-heal safe?
Can I use self-heal with other medicines?
Ask your doctor or pharmacist, especially for thyroid drugs, immunosuppressants, diabetes drugs, blood pressure drugs and blood thinners. No human interaction studies were found.
Is self-heal safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No safety data were found. Avoid it.
Is self-heal the same as other mint-family herbs?
It is related but not the same. It contains rosmarinic acid, as do lemon balm and rosemary, but the trials here used Prunella vulgaris only.
Is there an official approval?
We found no EU monograph or US fact sheet. EMA and NCCIH pages could not be confirmed, so this is not verified.
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Editorial transparency
- Written by
- AlternativeMed editorial team. Research compiled with AI assistance, then checked against PubMed records.
- Medical review
- None. This page has not been reviewed by a physician or pharmacist.
- First published
- 2026-10-25
- Last substantive update
- 2026-10-25
- How we research
- We searched PubMed, read the abstracts of every study cited, and checked names against GBIF, NCBI Taxonomy and PubChem. Pages that could not be found or opened are marked as not found. Where only a summary or a title was available, we say so.
- How we rate evidence
- See "How we rate evidence" in the Evidence tab.
- Independence
- No product is promoted on this page. No affiliate links are shown.
Sources 9
Each source was opened and checked. Where we read only the abstract, it says so. The small numbers in the text point here.
- Adamkova H, Vicar J, Palasova J, Ulrichova J, Simanek V. Macleya cordata and Prunella vulgaris in oral hygiene products - their efficacy in the control of gingivitis. Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc. 2004. PMID 15523557. DOI 10.5507/bp.2004.019. (abstract)
- Chen Z, Yuan B, Zhang L, Zhang L, Yu F, Yu J, Yu H, Chen W. Prunella Oral Liquid in combination with Western medical treatment for Graves' disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Ethnopharmacol (online July 2026). 2027. PMID 42526549. DOI 10.1016/j.jep.2026.122255. (abstract)
- Han Q, Xu N, Chen B, Wu W, Sheng L. Safety and efficacy of Prunella vulgaris preparation in adjuvant treatment of thyroid nodules: A meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). 2021. PMID 34731129. DOI 10.1097/MD.0000000000027490. (abstract)
- Kim TH, Kim S, Lee H, Kim SW, Kwak YG, Jang MR, Shin D, Bae WJ. Efficacy of Prunella vulgaris on Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial. World J Mens Health. 2026. PMID 41047360. DOI 10.5534/wjmh.250154. (abstract)
- Pan J, Wang H, Chen Y. Prunella vulgaris L. - A Review of its Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, Quality Control and Pharmacological Effects. Front Pharmacol. 2022. PMID 35814234. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2022.903171. (abstract)
- Wei M, Zhao Q, Yuan M, Fan Y, Li M. Efficacy and safety of Prunella vulgaris L. combined with antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol. 2025. PMID 40083379. DOI 10.3389/fphar.2025.1530152. (abstract)
- Zhang YB, Xu L, Yuan M, Liu MF, Li Y, Zhong XL, Lin ZX, Xian YF, Lu P, Xi ZC, Xu HX. Protective effects of Prunella vulgaris polysaccharides against herpes simplex virus type 1 infection through the STING-TBK1-IRF3 pathway. J Integr Med. 2026. PMID 41506946. DOI 10.1016/j.joim.2025.12.008. (abstract)
- . GBIF species match: Prunella vulgaris L. (usageKey 5341297). . 2026. (full-text)
- . PubChem compound records: rosmarinic acid (CID 5281792, C18H16O8); ursolic acid (CID 64945, C30H48O3). . 2026. (full-text)