Purslane | Portulaca oleracea
Purslane is a nutrient-rich succulent valued for both food and medicine. Its cooling, mucilaginous properties soothe inflammation, while its high content of omega-3 fatty acids makes it a unique plant for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
Benefits & Uses
Topical soothing: Applied as a poultice for burns, stings, and venomous bites; its cooling flesh draws out heat and swelling.
Antimicrobial & anti-inflammatory: Traditionally used for bladder infections and skin irritation.
Nutritional support: Excellent plant source of Omega-3s, vitamins, and antioxidants for cardiovascular and immune health.
Culinary tonic: Eaten fresh or blended into smoothies; valued as a cooling, hydrating, and mineral-rich green.
Form & Dosage
Fresh leaves: Added to smoothies, salads, or ground into paste for burns.
Powder: 1–3 g daily, mixed with water, juice, or smoothies.
Capsules: Standardized powder, 500–1000 mg daily.
Infusion/tea: Fresh or dried leaves steeped in hot water.
Topical use: Fresh mashed leaves or paste applied directly to skin.
Parts Used
Fresh aerial parts (leaves, stems, and succulent tissue)
Precautions
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Limited data; use in food amounts is considered safe, but avoid concentrated medicinal doses.
Oxalate content: High amounts may aggravate kidney stones in susceptible individuals.
Children: Safe as food; concentrated preparations should be used cautiously.
For more detailed information about the different ways to take herbs, consider taking a course at the HomeGrown Herbalist Online School of Botanical Medicine.
Available Picks
Explore available products related to Purslane.
Product Options on Amazon As an Amazon Associate, we may earn from qualifying purchases.
