Thursday 21 July 2022

Growing Oyster Plants In My Garden

My next door neighbour planted some Oyster Plants at the front, outside of her house. I guessed the plants must have some medicinal benefits but I didn't ask or show any interest in the plants.

One evening while I was weeding the front garden outside my house, I saw one of this plant growing on my side. I didn't know how it came to be growing in my garden. I actually pulled out the plant and intended to throw it away. The son of my neighbour saw the plant by the side of the garbage bag beside where I was weeding and informed me that this plant cured his mom's chronic cough. After that, they planted some for its medicinal benefits.
So, what happened next?
After hearing about the plant's usefulness, I decided to plant it back from where it was pulled out.
The spots on the leaves are actually water droplets.
The succulent leaves are dark green on top surface and purplish-red on the underside. The plants are grown as ornamental plants and can grow to about a foot or more in height.
From the above picture, you will see how the names came about.
Oyster Plants aka Moses-in-the-cradle, Moses-in-a-basket, Moses-in-the-bulrushes, boat lily. The botanical name for this plant is Tradescantia spathacea.
The plants have tiny pretty white flowers enclosed by the boat shaped bracts.
The fresh flowers can be seen in the morning.
I was curious and I googled for information on Oyster Plants. From the search, I obtained the following information:
The decoction of the flowers and leaves can be consumed for treating colds, sore throat, whooping cough, nasal bleeding and bleeding stools. The crushing or grounding of the leaves can be applied externally to reduce inflammations or swellings.
Would I dare to consume the decoction? Maybe yes, maybe no. I don't know.
If anyone has tried the decoction and it worked, please share your experience in the comment. Thank you.

We know how happy they are now
because they stayed true to him then,
even though they suffered greatly for it.
Job is an example of a man
who continued to trust the Lord in sorrow;
from his experiences we can see
how the Lord's plan finally ended in good,
for he is full of tenderness and mercy.
(James 5:11, The Living Bible-TLB)

38 comments:

  1. Oh I didn't know that these plants had medicinal benefits. Let us know in case you try it out.
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

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  2. that is interesting nancy. they look so pretty; i had no idea they were medicinal too.

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  3. Interesting! Sometimes, the roots crawl under the fence and the plants start sprouting on our side of the garden as well. Happens all the time here.

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    1. This can't be the roots because our front gardens are divided by a drain. It is a mystery.

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  4. This flowers look nice :) thanks for your sharing...

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  5. Most plants have some medical benefits. There's a whole successful industry (health supplements) based on that.

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    Replies
    1. True, even toxic plants have its medicinal benefits too.

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  6. I not sure I seen this plant before. Maybe I did, maybe not. But thanks for info. I only know one type of oregano can heal cough, I planted that in my garden. In my recent cough, I boiled and drank it, to reduce my cough.

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    Replies
    1. I planted the Oregano plant before but I don't have it in my garden now because hubby doesn't like the smell of the plants. I like the drink and yes, it is good for cough but hubby refuse to drink it.

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  7. ...I know this as Moses-in-the-bulrushes.

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    Replies
    1. I don't even know what the locals call it.

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  8. Hello Nancy, :=) I'm so glad you decided to replant this awesome plant. If you have a cold or sore throat it will help you recover. Why hesitate in trying a plant with healing powers! I wouldn't hesitate. It is also very attractive in the garden with the green and purple leaves.
    All the best

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    1. Thank you, Breathtaking. Yes, that was what I thought too, it may come in handy when it is neededn. Have a wonderful day.

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  9. Nancy I have a pot with them, it's very pretty and adorns. I was curious about what you are saying and researched the following: Although the species is not explicitly toxic, the leaves of Tradescantia spathacea contain an irritating sap that can hurt your cat, dog or even your child in the mouth and other areas it touches. So keep this plant out of reach or avoid it altogether if you're concerned. Also, be careful when transplanting
    In Google you find information here:
    https://houseplantcentral.com/en/tradescantia-spathacea-care

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    1. Thank you, Norma. I read about its toxic sap. Good thing I wasn't affected when I pulled it out or when I replanted it. Thanks for the link.

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  10. Very pretty plant. I've never seen one before. It's most beautiful.

    Have a fabulous day, Nancy. ♥

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    1. Thank you, Sandee. The colours of the leaves make up for the tiny flowers.

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  11. I have never heard of the plant before. Very interesting post, well done. Hope all is well Diane

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  12. I have an Oyster Plant as a houselant. But I did not know this info!

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    Replies
    1. I think there are different types of oyster plants out there.

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  13. They're beautiful and it might be worth trying to see if it helps never time you have a cold.

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    Replies
    1. Yes, the plants will be there when it is needed in the future.

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  14. Bellas flores, te mando un beso.

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  15. Thank you Nancy for this information about Oyster Plants. I don't think I dare to try without knowing the amount aka dosage to drink. What about you?

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  16. Wow very hot weather here, hope there is good weather, nice place with too much nature and delicious meal as always

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nassah. It rained last night and this morning. Hope for cooler temperature today.

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  17. It's very difficult to cure coughs so if this plant works, it would be very useful. Maybe try a bit first to make sure no tummy ache after consuming.

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    Replies
    1. My neighbour testified that his mother's cough went off after consuming the drink made from boiling the leaves, so I think it should be alright if not taken too frequently or overdosed.

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