Perennial

Aloe vera
Family: Liliaceae/Aloeaceae

History

Aloe vera has a long history as a healing herb, and was used as an embalming ingredient in ancient Egypt.

The gel was applied externally to wounds — especially burns and scalds, and was often used to clear blemishes and maintain a healthy skin.

It has been said that Alexander the Great conquered Madagascar so that his army could have a good supply of the herb for healing wounds.

In the Congo, the Slukari hunters rub the gel over their bodies to remove their scent before they stalk their prey on foot.

Today the gel, obtained by breaking the leaves, is still used for its remarkable healing properties. Applied to wounds it forms a clear protective seal and encourages skin regeneration. It can be applied safely directly to cuts and burns and has an immediate soothing effect.

Extract of aloes has an intensely bitter taste, and has been known to be used as an aid to wean children and to discourage them from thumb-sucking and nail-biting.

Uses

Medicinal: Used internally for chronic constipation, poor appetite, and in colonic irrigation. It also destroys internal parasites.
Not to be given to pregnant women or those suffering from haemorrhoids or irritable bowel syndrome.
Major use is externally for burns, scalds, sunburn, wounds and eczema.

Cultivation

Easily propagated from suckers or offshoots that grow around the base of the plant.
Drainage is important and they will cope with soil low in nutrients, although they will prosper in fertile soil with limestone added.
Flowers are rare in cultivation.
Harvesting & storage: Leaves are cut as required from two- to three-year old plants and used as is.
The sap can be drained from leaves and evaporated. The leftover brown crystalline solid is used for creams, lotions and tinctures.

Perennial

Sempervivum tectorum
Family: Crassulaceae

History

The Emperor Charlemagne decreed that his subjects should grow houseleeks on their roofs to ward off lightning and protect the inhabitants from witchcraft, and they are still traditionally planted for this purpose.

The herb clings to surfaces with its fibrous roots, producing tiny rosettes.

The centre dies after producing a stem of pink summer flowers.

It is also known as Hen and Chickens.

Uses

Medicinal: The leaf juice applied daily to warts and corns will soften them. The leaf contains tannins and mucilage which heals small burns and stings; it is astringent and cooling. A leaf tea treats septic throats, mouth ailments and bronchitis. It is used internally for skin complaints and haemorrhoids.
Culinary: The leaves can be added to green salads.
Garden: Will grow in the driest spot in the garden.
Cosmetic: Leaves placed in baths will nourish the skin.

Cultivation

It prefers dry, thin, well-drained soil in an open, sunny position. Propagate by division of offsets. Drought and frost resistant. Loves rockeries and stone fences.
Harvesting & storage: Not needed. Collect leaves as required, as houseleeks grow all year.