The leaves have a saline, astringent and acid taste, but no odour. The leaves contain malic acid in combination with lime. 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, 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. In large doses, Houseleek juice is emetic and purgative. It is said to remove warts and corns. The leaves sliced in two and the inner surface applied to warts, act as a positive cure for them.