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.
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