Houseleek
Sempervivum tectorum · Crassulaceae
A crossing plant — kept in both Haitian & Caribbean and Adriatic & Balkan traditions. Two shores, one root.
Houseleek
Grande joubarbe
Sempervivum tectorum
Crassulaceae
Traditionally used
Houseleek is the roof-plant of old cottages, its fleshy leaves full of cooling juice. Pressed fresh, that juice was the country remedy laid on ulcerations, burns, eczema, warts, corns, and insect stings. Taken by mouth it was used against roundworm. It is a soothing, external plant more than an internal one.
In three languages
Français — La joubarbe est la plante des vieux toits, ses feuilles charnues gorgées d'un suc rafraîchissant. Pressé frais, ce suc était le remède campagnard appliqué sur ulcérations, brûlures, eczéma, verrues, cors et piqûres d'insectes. Pris par voie orale, il servait contre l'ascaris. C'est avant tout une plante apaisante d'usage externe.
Safety
Safety notes for this plant are still being written. Until they are, treat it with a cautious hand.
Plants can look similar and be misidentified — always verify with a local herbalist or guide before use.
Sources & lineage
Traditional European herbal use; mucilage, tannins, organic acids
Kept alongside