Rolling Hen-and-Chicks

Rolling Hen-and-Chicks, botanically Sempervivum globiferum, belongs to the family of the stonecrop plants (Crassulaceae) and is a perennial, rosette-forming succulent. It occurs mainly in Central and Southern Europe and thrives preferentially on rocky slopes, wall crowns and alpine mats. Characteristic are its globular offsets (pups), with which it reproduces vegetatively – hence also the name "globiferum", which means "globe-bearing". As a typical representative of the genus Sempervivum ("ever-living"), it is extremely robust, drought-resistant and winter-hardy. Rolling Hen-and-Chicks forms dense rosettes of fleshy leaves with a finely ciliate margin. In summer it develops upright inflorescences with yellow to orange flowers, which die off after the flowering period, while the daughter rosettes live on. Since antiquity the plant has been used in folk medicine, above all because of its skin-soothing and cooling properties. Today it is found occasionally in naturopathic ointments and tinctures.

What health benefits does Rolling Hen-and-Chicks offer?

The use of Rolling Hen-and-Chicks in traditional herbal medicine resembles that of the better-known common houseleek (Sempervivum tectorum). External applications in particular are at the forefront here. At present there are not enough scientific studies to be able to make statements specifically about Rolling Hen-and-Chicks. Results have frequently been obtained in studies in which various houseleek species were used. These studies can be found in the lexicon article on houseleek. In the following we therefore address only traditional applications:

• Skin-soothing and cooling: According to traditional sources, the juice from the fleshy leaves has an irritation-relieving effect in cases of sunburn, insect bites or minor skin irritations.
• Traditional use for earache: In folk medicine the plant juice was occasionally used to relieve earache by placing a few drops into the ear canal – today this is no longer recommended due to a lack of evidence.

How does Rolling Hen-and-Chicks act in the body?

Here, too, more research is necessary in order to be able to make conclusive statements.

Are there any risks or side effects?

• Do not use internally without expert knowledge: As with many wild plants, internal use has not been sufficiently investigated and should be avoided without medical advice.
• Possible skin reactions: In rare cases, skin irritation may occur in sensitive individuals – above all with fresh plant juice.
• Confusion with other succulents: When collecting in the wild, care must be taken to identify the plant correctly, since not all similar-looking plants are harmless.

Conclusion

Rolling Hen-and-Chicks is an ancient medicinal plant with impressive resilience and traditionally valued skin-soothing properties. Even though modern studies are lacking, it is regarded in folk medicine as a proven remedy for simple skin complaints. Therapeutic use should nevertheless be approached with care and knowledge, and under the supervision of medical professionals.