Houseleek - Sempervivum tectorum (Crassulaceae)
(hen-and-chickens)

Description: Fleshy perennial with very short-stemmed basal rosette of tightly packed dark green leaves that grow in spiral formation. In summer stem elongates up to 8 in. to form a thick flowering stem with clusters of small pink star-shaped blooms.

Uses: Use leaves, sliced or pulped as needed. Sliced or crushed leaves are applied to stings, burns and rashes, and to cure warts and corns.

Infusion: Used to prepare more delicate parts of plants. 3 cups of water to 1 ounce dry herb or 1½ ounce of fresh herbs; pour the freshly boiled water over herbs in a pot, cover the pot and let the herbs steep for at least 10 minutes. Strain and serve. Refrigerate unused portions, lasts up to 24 hours.

Tincture: A tincture is a good solution for long term treatment as will store for up to two years. 8 ounces of dried herb, 1½ cups of alcohol (grain alcohol like Everclear), and 4 cups of water; Chop your herbs up finely and put them in a glass jar with a good tight fitting lid. Pour the liquid over the herbs and tighten the lid. Keep the jar in a warm, dark place for 2 weeks. Shake the jar every two days. After the two weeks, strain the liquid off through cheesecloth into a clean colored glass jar and store away from heat and direct sunlight.

 

Medicinal uses: stings, burns, rashes, itches, warts, corns

Used in spells relating to: Protection