succulents planted up in lightweight containers

We specialise in the artistic planting , using  our home grown succulents,  pruned, sometimes to the point of  bonsai in to all types of containers with unusual hand picked stones and  weird and beautiful driftwood.

Hi 
This is the early spring  range of hardy [in our area] succulents planted up in lightweight containers
each month they get a little bit more exotic and a little more expensive and a lot more fun to plant .

These are all very lightweight hand sculptured/painted  recycled containers .
we cant wait for spring .

Aloe vera recipes and Medicinal uses

 

I know many people  have writen  about Aloe vera many a time

I just want to share some of our experiences and my interests using Aloe

For various reasons i have to advise that

Medicinal use of these plants is not recommended here.

Aloe vera has been used for medicinal purposes for centuries. Native to North Africa, Southern Europe, and the Canary Islands now grown anywhere with a temp  that stays above 0 degrees

 Aloe vera is a perennial, succulent plant (meaning its leaves hold large quantities of water). The plant can grow up to 4 feet tall, and its tough, fleshy, spear-like leaves can grow up to 36 inches long, although in Devon they rarely get above 12 inches .
The leaves are notched with small white points. Their orange flowers bloom in the summertime and are dead easy to grow as they will grow in poor soil and will go for weeks without watering .
If you want to grow the plant for making aloe vera remedies then put your plant in a hot dry location in your home. It thrives on lots of sunlight, in a spot that will stay above zero.
 One of my  clients favourite ways to use Aloe vera apart from skin burns and scratches is to drink its juice and eat the fleshy gel inside . It's incredibly cleansing and has a really tasty punchy flavour!  i find they vary from plant to plant as those grown outdoors are a little sweeter but personally i find the gel  in general really sour and makes me pull a very funny face and need a beer to take away the taste.        [i wonder if i can ferment it and make a Aloe flavoured beer]
  Find out why you should consider having this wonderful, succulent plant in your home .
You can grow it as a house plant or in your greenhouse or conservatory and get it fresh anytime you need it!
You end up saving money, time, reduce packaging and resources, and you get this direct and immediate connection with the Aloe vera plant right at your fingertips if your travelling learn what they look like because when you visit Australia or new Zealand you will burn on even cloudy days in just a very few hours .
This has happened to us many times and we quickly search around for some Aloe vera plants [they often grow wild in many countries or you can buy them really cheaply  locally ]you just twist off a leaf make a slit down the length of the leaf and either take  out lumps of gel from the middle or just  squash out the juice ,best to use just the insides as the outer parts contain different compounds.

• Aloe vera gel has a 4.3 pH that makes it especially good for shampoos and lotions.
• Aloe vera is hydrating, rejuvenating and toning for your skin.
• Aloe vera moisturizes and softens your skin.
• Aloe vera is good for irritated or inflamed skin.
• Aloe vera helps repair your skin from the most tender of wounds.
• Aloe vera helps speed the process of healing to burns and other wounds•
•   it is a general tonic for good health.
• By drinking the gel with all its important ingredients including the 19 of the 20 amino acids needed by human body, 7 of the 8 essential ones that just cannot be made, the body is able to get enough to allow complex enzyme system to work really well. 
•  It is a useful source of vitamins
•  It is a natural anti inflammatory and painkiller. People who take it regularly often find that inflammatory conditions are greatly benefited
• Due to the presence of polysaccharide, it has the capability of being able to defend us against attacks by various viruses
• It is a useful source of minerals
• Assist in healthy digestion
• It increases feelings of vitality and increases flexibility
• It is helpful against ulcer and also promotes wound healings
• Best taken daily- either alone or mixed with fruit juice

The Aloe vera plant has been used for thousands of years to heal a variety of conditions, most notably burns, wounds, skin irritations, girly  stuff u can look up your self and  finaly constipation [see below about the risks with this . ]
Aloe was one of the most frequently prescribed medicines throughout most of the 18th and 19th centuries and it remains one of the most commonly used herbs in the United States today and in the UK many old people I work for swear by them.
Aloe gel, made from the central part of the aloe leaf, is a common household remedy for minor cuts and burns, as well as sunburns. It can be found in many commercial skin lotions and cosmetics.
Aloe contains active compounds that  reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate skin growth and repair.
  Aloe is 99 percent water, aloe gel also contains substances known as glycoproteins and polysaccharides
 Glycoproteins speed the healing process by stopping pain and inflammation while
Polysaccharides stimulate skin growth and repair.

 Aloe studies have shown  may also stimulate the immune system.

Pure Aloe gel may be applied to the surface of the skin for minor skin irritations. I use it for nettle stings and bramble scratches  and bloody wasp stings that we often get while cutting hedges ,the gel brings relief quickly [ although sempervivum work quicker ]
Slit the leaf of an Aloe plant lengthwise and remove the gel from the inside
 Carefully clean affected area, and then apply Aloe gel liberally to the skin.

 DO NOT apply to open wounds.

  

  Good for your heartburn.

 1 to 3 ounces of Aloe gel at mealtimes could reduce the severity .
  The plant’s low toxicity makes it a safe and gentle remedy.

  Aloe vera gel can  keep bacteria on fruits and vegetables away

Especially  tomato it also works on other fruit and veg and works well for storing  apples over winter. Just rub on a coating of  a small amount of aloe gel on the  fruit and veg it can help produce stay fresh for longer without the need for potentially dangerous chemicals.

It’s a great  mouthwash .

 The plant’s natural ingredients, which include a healthy dose of vitamin C, can block plaque and also provide relief if you have bleeding or swelling gums aloe vera gel inhibits the activity of several types of bacteria that may lead to cavities and gum disease and it tastes ok with no weird chemicals .

  Aloe vera be able to help people with diabetes

 By regulating their blood sugar levels,
    two tablespoons of Aloe vera juice per day causes blood sugar levels to fall in people with type 2 diabetes .
    Aloe vera has been used traditionally  to relieve constipation. Aloe juice or aloe latex, a yellow, bitter liquid derived from the skin of the aloe leaf, is a powerful laxative. However, it can cause painful cramping and is not safe to use in this way. oral use of aloe for constipation is no longer recommended, as it can have severe side effects.
The combination of the moist leaf and special plant compounds called complex carbohydrates make it an effective face moisturizer and pain reliever.
 Aloe-emodin, a compound in aloe vera leaves, could slow down the spread of breast cancer cells [this may be true as show from studies but we wait for more info
Aloe contains aloin, the brown gel which is focused near the blades of the leaf. Aloin is a natural sunscreen protecting from sun exposure.

Speaking of skin

It is also an effective moisturizing agent. For this reason, Aloe vera gel has gained tremendous popularity for relief of burns. and skin conditions
Aloe is best used for minor burns and skin irritations and should never be applied to an open wound.
Aloe gel may improve symptoms of genital herpes and certain skin conditions such as psoriasis.
Preliminary studies suggest that Aloe vera extract may help mitigate the effects of alcohol-induced liver damage

Aloe vera remedies

Aloe is  available commercially in ointments, creams, and lotions.
Aloe gel is often included in cosmetic and over-the-counter skin care products as well. You can purchase aloe in the form of capsules, tablets, juice, gel, ointment, cream, and lotion.
or how about you do it your self
  Aloe vera is best used  fresh from a plant. All you need to do is cut up a leaf from the plant and scoop out the gel for your recipe.

cut edge of aloe leaf

cut the other side and the end 

cut or peal the top skin off

lift out the gel

add to a jar and refrigerated for use later it keeps for ages and from the fridge is perfect for use on burns

Here is a helpful tip: When you remove a leaf, make sure to separate the leaf right at the base of the leaf itself, at the point where it connects to the rest of the plant. This will help insure that the plant heals quickly. Wherever you slice a leaf off from the plant the aloe will naturally heal itself in that area within a few hours. Whatever gel you don't use from the leaf, refrigerate for later use.

  For burns.

 Put ice directly onto your burn to immediately cool your burn. You need at least ten to fifteen minutes  you can either scoop out the gel from the inside of an Aloe leaf and apply promptly onto your burn or blistering skin. or cut in to 1 inch length the length of your finger cut down through the skin and get to the gel  inside, peal away the skin and you have a piece of the gel to rub into the problem area  Now give a big sigh of relief. You can repeatedly apply aloe vera gel to your burn or blister as it heals. You can lay a fresh aloe leaf onto your wound and then wrap a bandage around the leaf as well. If it's a burn you have, lathering fresh aloe onto your burn will help prevent it from blistering and is one of the best Aloe vera remedies I know of. 
 

 Aloe vera remedies that are good for all skin types from oily to dry.

Aloe Vera and  Herb Shampoo

This is one of my favourite  aloe vera remedies

• 6 Tbsp. Aloe vera gel
• 2 tsp. fresh or dried mint leaves
• 2 tsp. fresh or dried nettle leaves
• 2 tsp. fresh or dried marigold flowers
• 20 oz. boiling water
• 8 oz. castile soap
• 5 - 10 drops lavender  essential oil

Pour boiling water over herbs and let steep 30 - 60 minutes. Strain   and let cool completely.
Pour all ingredients together into a recycled shampoo bottle. Close lid tightly. Shake well and shake before using. This recipe makes approximately 20 oz. of shampoo.!

Precautions

Children should never take oral aloe preparations.
 Take herbs with care,ideally under the supervision of a health care provider.
Aloe gel is considered safe when applied to the surface of the skin, but should not be applied to open or deep wounds
 Many people do ingest small quantities of whole leaf aloe juice as a laxative to improve their bowel movements. But aloin is not considered to be a safe and effective laxative and may be somewhat unpredictable when using it in this manner. It is especially hard to dose consistently since different parts of the leaf may have different aloin concentrations.Taking aloe latex orally may cause severe intestinal cramps or diarrhoea and is not recommended.
Pregnant women should never take aloe latex because it may cause uterine contractions and trigger miscarriage. Nursing mothers should not take aloe latex either because the effects and safety for infants and children are not known.
High doses of aloe can cause kidney damage.
 In rare cases, it may cause an allergic reaction, mainly a skin rash. If you develop a rash, stop using the gel.

Possible Interactions

If you are being treated with any of the following medications, Medications for diabetes Digoxin and diuretics you should not use aloe vera without talking to your doctor.
DO NOT take aloe for 2 weeks prior to any surgical procedure as it may increase bleeding during surgery.

Medicinal use of Succulents

 Medicinal use of Succulents

Something i am very interested in  and use but

I have to advise that

Medicinal use of these plants is not recommended here.

  Semprevivum tectorum is the most popular plant for medicine this plant has small and thick leaves that form a rosette. It can grow up to 14 centimetres tall and 45 centimetres broad, with beautiful red flowers   in summer. This plant is resistant to drought and high temperatures 

 . The name is formed of two words: Semper that means “always” and Vivus that means “living”, indicating that this plant is perennial, and that has adapted to grow in very difficult conditions...
 I love this name the best Welcome-Home-Husband-Though-Never-so-Drunk, that it shares with the plant Sedum acre

The leaves are fleshy and have a crunchy texture. The flavour is mildly sweet with an astringent kick. It’s surprisingly drying for such a water-rich plant, which creates the odd experience of quenching your thirst while puckering your tongue. Still, it’s tasty raw. You can also use the plant medicinally to soothe skin irritations: squeeze the leaves to apply juice on insect bites and minor skin irritations.

Cautions

• No cautions are listed as long as the prescribed doses are followed.

History

. The Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne (742-814 AD) ordered all his subjects to grow houseleeks on their roofs they also believed this plant was a love medicine
 Others believed that this plant could protect them from evil, witchcraft thunder and. lightning it is believed that if you plant Houseleek on the roofs of the houses, it can protect you from lightning strikes   and indeed it did work as the thatch cottages had so many house leeks on them it would be hard for fire to get a start.

  It can still be found on roofs of cottagers in rural   West Wales in the UK. If the Welsh have a Houseleek on their roof, they will want to keep it there as it is believed that if it is removed or picked by a stranger, bad luck and perhaps the death of one of the family will follow.

 The Frankish King Charlemagne (742-814 CE) told his subjects to plant the herb on their roofs since it reputedly warded off lightning and fire.
 Many names of the Gods are also associated with this plant. In northern parts people called it Thor’s Beard
It can store water in the leaves making it able to survive drought .

Key Actions

• antiseptic    [ antimicrobial substances that are applied to living tissue/skin to reduce the possibility of infection, sepsis, or putrefaction.]
• anti diarrheal  [medication which provides symptomatic relief for diarrhoea.]
• antiparasitic  [Antiparasitics are a class of medications which are indicated for the treatment of parasitic diseases]
• anti-inflammatory   [refers to the property of a substance or treatment that reduces inflammation or swelling.]
• diuretic  [A diuretic is any substance that promotes the production of urine.]
• soothing astringent   [astringentis a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissues.]

Key Components

• tannins  [they bind to and precipitates proteins and various other organic compounds including amino acids and alkaloids.]
• mucilage  [Mucilage is a type of soluble fiber of viscous nature]
• malic and formic acids [. Malic acid doesn't just make for great wine. It's wonderful for your skin too.]  [formic acid  used in processing textiles and leather]

Medicinal Parts

• Leaves, leaf juice   crush in a mortar and pestle add hot water for infusion

Traditional Uses

 Freshly pressed leaves and their juice are used externally to soothe skin conditions, including burns, wounds, ulcers, insect bites, sore nipples, corns, inflammations, hemorrhoids, eczema, stomatitis,[is inflammation of the mouth and lips.] fungal infections, as well as itchy and burning parts of the skin.
Infusions are used internally to treat inflammations of the mucous membranes and has long been used to treat dysentery, diarrhoea, worm infestations, and for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Gargles of the juice may be used to treat throat inflammations, including tonsillitis and stomatitis (inflammations of the oral cavity).
Traditionally, the leaves were chewed to relieve toothache and the juice sniffed to stop nosebleeds.

Traditional medicinal uses described by Pliny the Elder (23 - 79 AD) in his Naturalis Historiae include use of the juice from crushed Sempervivum leaves to treat skin complaints such as burns, scalds, corns, calluses, warts, ringworm, shingles (localized infection with the chickenpox virus), insect stings shingles, itching and burning of the eyes, and earache. Discorides (40 - 90 AD) wrote in his Materia Medica that Sempervivum leaves crushed with wine would eliminate intestinal worms and flukes. The Romans also considered Sempervivum juice to be useful against caterpillar infestation of crops.
     

  
The main use of houseleeks has been for centuries, is to make a juice made from   the large fleshy leaves and used for eye and skin treatments. It is used for stings, as it has superb anti-inflammatory properties and relieves the pain of insect bites and stings virtually immediately

  
Sempervivum arachnoideum is low-growing, evergreen, perennial succulent, native to the mountain of Europe from the Pyrenees to the Carpathians.
 The leaves of Cobweb Houseleek are

• emollient,    [Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin that are often used to treat skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis.]
• haemostatic,   [retarding or stopping the flow of blood within the blood vessels]
• ophthalmic   [means pertaining to the eye,]
• and sedative.   [is a substance that induces sedation by reducing irritability or excitement.]

The fresh leaves and the expressed juice from them. The leaves have a saline, astringent and acid taste, but no odour.
---Constituents---The leaves contain malic acid in combination with lime.

---Medicinal Action and Uses---

• astringent [is a chemical compound that tends to shrink or constrict body tissue]
• diuretic  [[A diuretic is any substance that promotes the production of urine.]]
• Refrigerant [is a natural refrigerant. to help it from freezing ]

 In rural districts, the bruised leaves of the fresh plant, or its juice, are often applied as a poultice to burns, scalds, contusions, scrofulous ulcers, and in inflammatory conditions of the skin generally, giving immediate relief. If the juice be mixed with clarified lard and applied to an inflamed surface, the inflammation is quickly reduced.
It can be used in many skin diseases. Some old authorities recommend mixing the juice with cream.
With honey, is another medium used the juice has been used to assuage the soreness and ulcerated condition of the mouth in thrush, the mixture being used with a hair pencil.
Boerhaave, the famous Dutch physician, found 10 oz. of the juice beneficial in dysentery, but it is not admitted into modern practice.
In large doses, Houseleek juice is
emetic [Something that causes vomiting]
and purgative. [ending to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels]
Dose, 2 to 10 drops.

It is said to remove warts and corns. Parkinson tells us:

'The juice takes away corns from the toes and feet if they be bathed therewith every day, and at night emplastered as it were with the skin of the same House Leek.'

The leaves sliced in two and the inner surface applied to warts, act as a positive cure for them.

Culpepper informs us that:

'Our ordinary Houseleek is good for all inward heats, as well as outward, and in the eyes or other parts of the body: a posset made of the juice is singularly good in all hot agues, for it cooleth and tempereth the blood and spirits and quencheth the thirst; and is also good to stay all defluction or sharp and salt rheums in the eyes, the juice being dropped into them. If the juice be dropped into the ears, it easeth pain.... It cooleth and restraineth all hot inflammations St. Anthony's fire (Erysipelas), scaldings and burnings, the shingles, fretting ulcers, ringworms and the like; and much easeth the pain and the gout.'

After describing the use of the leaves in the cure of corns, he goes on to say:

'It easeth also the headache and the distempered heat of the brain in frenzies, or through want of sleep, being applied to the temples and forehead. The leaves bruised and laid upon the crown or seam of the head, stayeth bleeding at the nose very quickly. The distilled water of the herb is profitable for all the purposes aforesaid. The leaves being gently rubbed on any place stung with nettles or bees, doth quickly take away the pain.'

Gerard tells us the:

'iuice of Houseleeke, Garden Nightshade and the buds of Poplar, boiled in hog's grease, maketh the most singular Populeon that ever was used in Chirugerie.'

Galen recommends Houseleek for erysipelas and shingles, and Dioscorides as a remedy for weak and inflamed eyes. Pliny says it never fails to produce sleep.

In the fourteenth century it was used as an ingredient of a preparation for neuralgia, called hemygreyne, i.e. megrim, and an ointment used at that time for scalds and burns.
Culpepper speaks of the Small Houseleek,  

The crushed plant, or its juice, is applied externally to boils, wounds etc and can be used to stop nose bleeds.

The slightly warmed juice has been used to relieve ear inflammations and toothaches can be relieved by chewing on the leaves.

. When macerated and infused in vinegar, the plant can be used to get rid of warts and corns.

The leaves are harvested in the summer and are best used when fresh since they are difficult to dry properly. The leaf pulp is used to make a cooling face mask for reddened or sunburnt skin.

---

09/08/2016
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Succulent chair

Succulent chair

Just finished this project really pleased with it .

we used two small bags of compost with there sides cut out then planted succulents in to the compost with a added gritty soil mix for drainage under each one.
A knife was used to pierce down through the bag for extra drainage

Succulent picture

Succulent picture    

succulents planted in  a oil painting  with a soil mix behind as it is now    

and this is it just after planting .

A succulent welcome

Succulents are amazing in there variety i love growing them at the nursery at newton pop in Devon.