Purslane grows in many parts of the world. It can be seen blooming in the warm season, both in orchards and in fields, or on the edge of the roads. It is easily grown, even in pots at home.
As well as a medicinal herb known since ancient times, purslane is a superfood that has many uses. Some consider it a “weed” and this leads to ignorance of its vast medicinal properties. It can be found in the markets of certain countries as a vegetable, although it is not the most common.
Listed below are some features and properties of this superfood.
Purslane is one of the richest omega-3 vegetables known: a cup of fresh purslane can contain up to 400 milligrams of this essential fatty acid. In addition, it provides a wide variety of other nutrients, among which are:
- – Vitamins: vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, C, E and up to 7 times more beta-carotene than carrots.
- – Minerals: potassium (more than spinach), calcium, magnesium (it is one of its best vegetable sources), iron, phosphorus, among others.
- – Amino acids
- – Bioflavonoids such as liquiritin.
- – Important antioxidants such as glutathione or betalains (contained in their pigments).
- – Neurohormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine and l-noradrenaline that have a vasoconstrictive and antihypotensive function, helping to reduce bleeding, for example.
This plant has been known for centuries for its medicinal virtues, both for its internal and external use. Among other qualities, its abundant mucilage has led some to consider it a sedative due to its power to soothe and soothe irritations of internal organs.
Internally you can take it in various presentations. Externally, it can be used by crushing the plant until it has the right consistency, applying a compress soaked in the juice of the plant or in an infusion.
Its properties stand out as a neuropharmacological plant, antibacterial, antiscorbutic, analgesic, antifungal, antihemorrhagic, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, antitussive, antiulcer, bronchodilator in asthmatics, calming, cleansing, diuretic, with an antioxidant effect, as a uterine stimulant, as a fortifier of the immune system, hepatoprotective against certain toxins, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, blood purifier, insulin resistance reducer, refreshing, muscle relaxant, intestinal function regulator, vermifuge, among other properties.
Traditional use of purslane as a natural remedy
The versatility of this plant means that it can be used for numerous medicinal purposes. These are some of its natural qualities and how to use each one:
– Analgesic: through the juice of the plant.
– Antihemorrhagic: the flowering tops.
– Antiparasitic: it is consumed against pinworms, roundworms and hookworms, among others. For this purpose, the juice of 100 grams of fresh liquefied plant is taken in the morning for 3 to 5 days.
– Arthritis: including the plant in the diet and also with external applications.
– Eye drops: applied with polenta in the form of an external poultice.
– Depurative: due to its purifying, blood purifying, antiscorbutic, laxative and antibacterial effect, some studies suggest its usefulness in diseases of the liver, stomatitis, spleen, kidneys, bladder or cardiovascular system.
– Dysentery: fresh juice for its calming action. Some research in China suggests its usefulness in bacillary dysentery.
– Teeth and gums: chew the plant for sensitive teeth or weak gums.
– Diuretic: the juice of the fresh plant exerts a diuretic and calming action that is used to alleviate bladder problems.
– Headache: applied with polenta in the form of an external poultice or mixed with oil and applied externally.
– Muscle spasms: the aqueous extract has been shown to calm them when applied externally.
– Hemorrhoids: cooked or fresh as food.
– Wounds: the crushed fresh plant is applied in the form of a poultice.
– Hypertension: due to its diuretic action, abundance of potassium and omega-3, it can be a recommended food.
– Inflammation in general: applied with polenta in the form of an external poultice.
– Mastitis: externally as a poultice of the crushed leaves.
– Bites: exerts a calming effect, the crushed fresh plant is applied in the form of a poultice.
– Skin: in different skin problems, from allergies, abscesses, burns, dermatitis, impetigo, dry skin, etc. The crushed plant is used externally.
– Gastric problems: included in the diet.
– Liver problems: included in the diet.
– Vitiligo: it is believed that the plant could normalize skin pigmentation. Used in the same way as in skin problems.
How is it consumed?
Its stems, flowers, leaves and seeds are edible. Its flavor is soft, slightly acidulous, which is why it can also be known as “cruet” in some places. It can be taken and consumed in many ways:
– Fresh, in a salad or in any other raw presentation.
– Cooked, preferably steamed or sautéed.
– As a juice, extracting it from the fresh plant with a blender or adding it to a smoothie. The daily recommendations in general are a maximum of 100 gr of fresh blended plant or 1 to 3 tablespoons of juice that can be mixed with water or honey.
– Macerated in vinegar.
– In infusion, both with the fresh or dry plant. The maceration time will be short so that too much oxalic acid does not pass into the water.
– The dry plant, since although fresh is how it preserves all its properties, it can also be dried and used for infusions or to add pulverized to soups, salads, etc.
– As flour, since from its dry seeds a flour can be made that is used in the kitchen.
– As a tincture, macerated in alcohol.