This Wandering Jew Water Dripping Is Miraculous; use it this way if you want to make the most of your plants!
You might focus on this plant’s ornamental value as a gardener. Still, few realize the potential uses of sap from the cut of its stem. Here’s what makes Wandering Jew so great and how you can use it!
Amazing Healing Properties
This might sound strange to many, but those beautiful ornamental Wandering Jew plants can also help you with their amazing healing effects.
The plant’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have been proven in research. However, more studies are required on this useful plant genus!
You can use its leaf extract if you have minor cuts; its sap is also beneficial in healing mild skin irritation and swelling. These properties are found in many of its species, especially the Tradescantia fluminensis according to this study.
Good For Skin
Due to healing and antibacterial properties, sap from Tradescantia zebrina and pallida (Purple heart) can be excellent for removing infections and cleaning the skin. These benefits mainly come from potential Phytosterols and Phenolic compounds, particularly tannins and steroids.
The useful sap also contains flavonoids and mucilage content, which can be very hydrating and soothing for dry, flaky skin. Apart from the face for glow and hydration, you can also use it on your elbows and knees for a quick moisture boost.
To reduce redness, spots, and irritation, some people also apply its diluted sap mixed with aloe vera gel as a natural skin toner for the face.
Note: Always perform a patch test on your forehand before using it; you could be allergic to it. If you don’t experience any symptoms after 24 hours, use it. Still, consult a medical professional before trying any new plant-based remedies.
Used in Herbal Teas by Native Americans
Tea isn’t the only thing you can use this plant for. For example, Tradescantia virginiana (Common Spiderwort) is edible—the petals, leaves, and roots. Flower petals can be eaten in salads, the leaves can be cooked in soups, and the roots can be used to make herbal teas.
If you want to make a tea, brew its flowers or leaves in your herbal tea preparation. Other than that, nicely washed, chopped and dried roots are used to brew a medicinal tea that is laxative and help in kidney ailments.
Native American Tribes used these plants to treat cancer symptoms and digestion issues and improve kidney health since old times. More of the valuable information is available at United States Department of Agriculture‘s website.
You can also try Tradescantia ohiensis. Flowers and stems are consumed raw, but the roots should be cooked. It is also mucilaginous, so people use it to soothe the skin around insect bites.
Not only these varieties but most Tradescantias contain flavonoids and antioxidants that help fight free radicals and boost the immune system, preventing common and major diseases.
Disclaimer: To avoid side effects, it’s best to identify the variety clearly and consult a medical practitioner and do further research before consuming any plant. Some of the Wandering Jew varieties, like the famous Tradescantia nanouk, are even mildly toxic and shouldn’t be consumed.
How to Use Wandering Jew Extract
You can simply apply the Wandering Jew (Tradescantia zebrina) sap topically to the skin or use it as a soothing addition to your other herbal remedies like the famous aloe vera gel.
Start by collecting a small amount of fresh sap by gently cutting a stem and dabbing the liquid onto a clean finger or cotton swab.
This sap can be applied directly to areas prone to dryness or mild irritation, such as elbows, hands, or minor cuts. It will also improve radiance and provide hydration and soothing relief to your face.
Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, then rinse with water if any residue remains.
Precautions
If you have sensitive skin, Wandering Jew sap may irritate it, so do a patch test first or take medical advice before use. As already mentioned, dilution is essential for internal use, and freshly collected sap is best for topical application. For that, you should grow it indoors!
