By: Ivana Dragica |
Diseases against which houseleek protects you |
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The resilience of houseleek is best described by its Latin name Sempervivum, which means "always living".
It is a perennial plant from Crassulaceae family, also known under the names bullock’s beard, devil’s beard, earwort, roof houseleek, Thor's beard etc.
It is characterized by thick fleshy leaves which are full of water and star-shaped flowers.
It grows from Morocco to Iran, through the mountains of the Iberian Peninsula, the Alps, the Carpathians, the Balkans, Turkey and the Caucasus.
In Croatia it is often used as an ornamental rather than medicinal herb.
Some of you may recall it as a plant which your parents used to cure your earache.
Composition and healing effect of houseleek
Houseleek contains tannin, glycosides, fatty oil, resin, calcium malate, fumaric and malic acid.
Modern research has confirmed that it also contains other highly valuable acids, flavonoids and carbohydrates.
In folk medicine it is used for its anti-inflammatory, astringent and diuretic properties.
It is used in the form of juice, wraps, ointment, tincture or tea.
The best natural remedy for earache
Houseleek is an old folk remedy for earache, eardrum damage and hearing loss. Its juice dissolves excess hardened resin (cerumen) in the ear and generally reduces pain.
Many have found it has better effect than the drops from the pharmacy, and even some pediatricians recommend houseleek for treating earache in children.
In order to treat earache, it is sufficient to squeeze 2-3 ml of juice from houseleek leaves, pour it into the ear, lay on your side and after a few minutes turn to let the juice come out from the ear.
Remarkable remedy for skin diseases and wounds
This plant has an effect similar to aloe vera, which is known to treat various skin ailments.
This plant is considered one of the safest drugs for a wide range of skin conditions.
Because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties it also serves as an excellent first aid for burns, stings and bites since it provides quick relief.
Houseleek can treat:
- red wind (erysipelas)
- corns
- freckles
- wounds and sores
- herpes zoster
- eye and ear inflammations
- malignant skin diseases
- hard skin on the soles of the feet
- burns, stings and bites
Simply rub houseleek juice on an affected area or put a wrap in a form of cut leaf.
Houseleek juice
Houseleek juice contains polysaccharides and antibacterial compounds that can effectively fight the bacteria.
It helps with nerve disorders, fears and seizures, and is effective against intestinal parasites.
You can drink or gargle this juice if you suffer from bronchitis, abscesses of teeth, ears and throat.
Furthermore, it is recommended for malignant tumors of the uterus and oral cavity.
Drink three teaspoons of juice per day or eat a few leaves of this plant.
Houseleek and honey
This mixture successfully treats fibroids and cysts in the uterus and thyroid problems.
It has a detoxifying effect and is recommended after excessive consumption of food and drinks.
With the addition of hot water, the mixture of honey and houseleek can lower the bodily temperature.
Grind 750 g of houseleek leaves and mix them with two pounds of honey.
Take one tablespoon in the morning and one to two tablespoons throughout the day on an empty stomach.
Houseleek tea
This tea is excellent in the cases of excessive menstruation, menstrual cramps, diarrhea and ulcers.
Boil 10 g of fresh or 12 g of dried houseleek in 250 ml of water for 15 minutes.
Strain the mixture and let it cool. In the morning drink a cup of tea on an empty stomach, and after that take one tablespoon of this tea.
Cultivating houseleek
It is easy to cultivate houseleek from its rhizomes. This is a very resistant plant that can be grown in pots or in the open.
It comes in a variety of colors, and can grow up to eight inches. Wherever you plant it, you will not go wrong. You will have a nice decoration and a remedy.
Interestingly, houseleek preserves its properties even after freezing. It is a logical consequence of its high tolerance to cold and ability to survive in winter conditions.
It is picked from March to October, but if you plant it in a pot you can pick it throughout the year.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid using houseleek.
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