Self-Heal (Prunella vulgaris) has a long history of use in traditional medicine systems, particularly in Europe and Asia, where it has been applied topically for various skin conditions, including dermatitis, wounds, and minor inflammations. Traditional herbal texts and ethnobotanical surveys report the use of Self-Heal preparations—such as poultices, ointments, and washes—for soothing inflamed or irritated skin. The rationale for this use is rooted in Self-Heal’s purported anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which are believed to help reduce redness, swelling, and discomfort associated with dermatitis.

In terms of scientific evidence, there are a few in vitro and animal studies indicating that extracts of Prunella vulgaris possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. However, clinical studies directly investigating the efficacy of Self-Heal for dermatitis in humans are lacking. The available laboratory data provide a plausible mechanism for its traditional use, but do not constitute robust clinical validation. Thus, while Self-Heal’s use for dermatitis is primarily justified by tradition, it lacks strong scientific evidence, and its effectiveness remains to be confirmed in well-designed human trials.