Purslane Medicinal Properties
Purslane is an herb that grows wild in many parts of the world. This edible plant sprouts in uncultivated areas as well as in gardens. The Romans used the herb to treat illnesses such as dysentery and stomach pain, and it provided food or medicine in China, aboriginal Australia, Italy, France, and in Africa among the Zulus. Folk medicine wisdom about purslane that has been handed down is now being confirmed by research studies.
Botanical Traits
Purslane's leaves are the shape of an upside down triangle with rounded edges. The annual succulent has small, yellow flowers that cling to red stems 10 to 30 centimeters long. It teems with shiny black seeds that enable it to spread profusely. The plant, which tends to sprawl on the ground rather than stand upright, is often mistaken for a weed.
Preparation
Every part of the purslane plant, from the roots and stems to the flowers, leaves, and seeds is useful and can be either consumed or used to make medicinal preparations. It's possible to eat the leaves raw or cooked, pickle the stems in apple cider vinegar, eat them, and use the leftover nutrient-rich vinegar medicinally. You can also extract juice from purslane, make a decoction by letting the plant steep in water, mash parts of the plant to make a topical paste to treat skin conditions, and burn the entire plant to recover its ashes for their mineral content, which you can sprinkle on food.
Nutrients
Purslane is extraordinarily rich in a wide variety of nutrients. Recent studies have focused on the herb's high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, known to be beneficial in preventing or improving cardiovascular conditions and congenital heart disease. It is also a good source of antioxidants, including vitamins A, C, and E, and glutathione and alpha-tocopherol. The plant also contains beta-carotene and minerals such as calcium, potassium, iron, manganese, and phosphorus.
Healing Properties
Purslane's anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties are effective in treating skin conditions such as dermatitis and psoriasis as well as cuts and boils. It also soothes urinary tract infections and cystitis and problems in the digestive system, such as irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, and diarrhea. And because of its high antioxidant content, it can help prevent or manage age-related and chronic illnesses.
Safety Concerns
Because the risks of taking purslane during pregnancy are unknown, it should not be used if you are pregnant. The plant is generally regarded as safe, even in high dosages; however, those who suffer from kidney stones may want to take precautions.
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