Romans used to plant the Houseleek in front of windows because they believed it was a love medicine. Others believed that it could protect them from witchcraft and thunder. Juice made from Houseleek has been used for skin and eye treatments for centuries.
What Is Houseleek?
Most of us are familiar with Houseleek, and many of us have seen it or at least heard stories and legends surrounding this plant. Moreover, many different cultures and civilizations were familiar with this peculiar plant. Thus, various stories they produced seem to have discovered the popularity and necessity of Houseleek.
The first notable factor that sheds light on this plant's popularity is its various names. Houseleek or Sempervivum is, in fact, a genus of about 40 plants in the family Crassulaceae. The Latin name Sepmrevivum tells us much about the characteristics of this plant. The name is composed of two words: "semper," meaning "always," and "vivus," meaning "living," indicating that this plant is perennial and can grow under very difficult conditions.
Planting Houseleek on the roofs of houses is believed to protect you from lightning strikes. For others, this plant is known as Live-forever and Hen and Chicks or Hen and Chickens. Many names of the Gods are also associated with this plant. Thus, some people called it "Thor's Beard," referring to the Norse God of Thunder, Thor, and to Jupiter's Beard. It is also known as Devil's Beard, Jove's Beard, St. George's Beard, and Bullock's Beard. The most interesting name is "Welcome-Home-Husband-Though-Never-so-Drunk," which is shared by the plant Sedum acre.
It is believed that its ancestors were subtropical plants. The genus originated in Mexico, but it can grow almost everywhere, including the Carpathians, the Alps, the Balkan Mountains, and the Sahara, because it can store water in its leaves.
The plant in this genus we are discussing is Sempervivum tectorum, which is the most popular species. This plant has small, thick leaves that form a rosette. It can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) tall and spread 20 inches (50 cm), producing beautiful red flowers in summer. This plant is drought- and heat-tolerant and is widely cultivated in gardens today.
Health Benefits of Houseleek
Houseleek has been used in folk medicine due to its anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and astringent properties. Modern medicine has confirmed that Houseleek contains important acids (citric, malic, malonic, isocitric, free amino acids, and phenolic carbonic acid), flavonoids, and carbohydrates. This plant has two significant benefits: first, it is widely used for skin treatment, particularly for burns, and for treating earache and ear pain in general (otalgia). Moreover, juice made from Houseleek leaves is a well-known remedy for the immune system.
Skin Treatment
Houseleek's effects on the skin are very similar to those of the Aloe plant. Moreover, it is considered one of the safest natural remedies for skin infections and different conditions. Also, Houseleek is a widely used skin remedy because it has few side effects and may cause adverse effects depending on other conditions.
Skin healing can vary; one can use juice from the leaves, creams, or tinctures. To date, Houseleek has been highly effective in treating burns, sunburns, insect bites, and frostbite. Moreover, one can treat redness, swelling, scratches, abrasions, and other inflammatory diseases.
Ear Treatment
For years, even in ancient times, Houseleek has been used to treat otitis, hearing loss, and related damage. Ear pain can be caused by excessive accumulation of earwax. Although cerumen protects the ear canal in general, as well as from bacteria, fungi, and water, and assists in lubrication, impacted cerumen can press against the eardrum, threaten the external auditory canal, and cause conductive hearing loss. The juice of Houseleek leaves can dissolve cerumen, thereby alleviating pain.
The best treatment is quite simple: squeeze a few drops of the juice into the ear. If the pain is severe, one can soak cotton wool in the juice, place it in the ear opening, and leave it in place for several hours.
Houseleek Juice Benefits
Science has confirmed that Houseleek is rich in polysaccharides and other antibacterial compounds that effectively support immune function. As with Aloe vera, freshly squeezed juice from the leaves is used to treat the nervous system, particularly nervous derangement, irrational fears, and falling sickness. The juice is also used to remove warts and to treat open wounds and sunspots. Moreover, it can help relieve the pain from insect bites. When mixed with honey, the juice is used to treat soreness, ulcerated conditions of the mouth, and bronchitis, whereas the mixture with honey and hot water can reduce fever.
Benefits of Houseleek Tea
There is a difference in usage between Houseleek juice and tea. Although both are highly effective and lucrative, tea is particularly beneficial for heavy periods, menstrual cramps, and ulcers. It is very easy to prepare a Houseleek tea: add 12 grams of dried leaves or 10 grams of fresh leaves to 4 liters of water, cook for 15 minutes, then strain and let cool. One should drink one cup of tea early in the morning on an empty stomach. After that, take one tablespoon of tea every hour.
Daily Dosage and Side Effects
The daily dose of Houseleek depends on the user's age, health, and other relevant factors. Regarding side effects, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, but this is very rare. However, it is advised not to take Houseleek when breastfeeding or pregnant.
Source: ecellulitis.com
Links
- Back to genus Sempervivum
- Succupedia: Browse succulents by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, Origin, or cacti by Genus