Common Houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Crassulaceae
• Common Names: Common Houseleek, Roof Houseleek, Jupiter’s Beard
• Parts Used: Leaves, Fresh Juice

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Description

Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Common Houseleek, is a hardy succulent native to Europe and commonly grown on rooftops and garden walls. It has been traditionally used for its cooling, astringent, and anti-inflammatory properties, particularly in treating skin ailments, burns, and insect bites.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Used in European folk medicine for burns, wounds, and skin irritations.
• Traditionally applied as a natural remedy for insect stings and bites.
• Employed as a cooling poultice for inflammatory skin conditions.
• Known for its protective and cleansing properties in folk magic and herbal traditions.

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Constituents

• Mucilage
• Tannins
• Flavonoids
• Organic acids
• Phenolic compounds

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Actions

• Astringent
• Anti-inflammatory
• Emollient (Moisturizing)
• Antiseptic
• Cooling

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Medicinal Uses

1. Skin Healing:
Used to soothe burns, wounds, cuts, and insect bites due to its cooling and astringent properties.

2. Anti-Inflammatory Properties:
Reduces redness and irritation in skin conditions such as eczema and dermatitis.

3. Wound Care:
Applied topically to minor cuts and abrasions to aid in healing and prevent infection.

4. Sunburn and Burn Relief:
Fresh juice or crushed leaves provide immediate relief for sunburns and minor burns.

5. Ear Infections and Pain Relief:
Traditionally used as an earache remedy, with fresh juice drops applied to the affected ear.

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Preparation and Dosage

Fresh Leaf Juice (Topical Use):

• Apply directly to burns, wounds, or irritated skin as needed.

Poultice:

• Crushed fresh leaves applied to insect bites, rashes, or cuts.

Infusion (Tea from Leaves):

• 1 tsp of fresh leaves per cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes. Drink up to twice daily for mild digestive support.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Limited information; external use is generally safe.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible; test on a small area before applying widely.
• Not for Deep Wounds: Use only for minor skin issues; seek medical attention for severe wounds or infections.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and moistening; ideal for hot, inflamed conditions.
• Folk Medicine: Used as a protective plant in homes and gardens, believed to ward off illness.
• Ayurveda: Cooling and balancing for excess Pitta conditions.

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Combinations

• For Skin Healing: Combine with aloe vera and calendula.
• For Burns and Sunburns: Combine with lavender essential oil.
• For Insect Bites: Combine with plantain and chamomile.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Leaves can be collected fresh year-round.
• Storage: Best used fresh; juice can be refrigerated for short-term storage.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Sempervivum tectorum’s astringent, cooling, and wound-healing properties, reinforcing its traditional applications.

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Common Houseleek remains a valuable plant in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for skin care and inflammation relief.