Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a very varied, weedy plant that is widely distributed. It is most likely native to the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, and North Africa, but it was in Europe by the late 16th century and had arrived in North America by pre-Columbian times.
Given that purslane originated in India, it is regarded as an Indian gift to the globe. The shapes, colors, and scent of the herb set it out from other herbs in a crowd. Leafy greens with scarlet stems are purslane.
Description
purslane can store water in its stems and leaves, it can withstand the harsh climate of heat and dryness. The majority of people are not aware of this herb’s edible status. It is typically harvested from the wild rather than grown. Herbs like purslane are used to treat a variety of illnesses.
Botanical Name:
Portulaca Oleracea
Family:
Portulacaceae
Leaves:
The hairless, spatula-shaped, thick, succulent leaves are no more than an inch long. The leaves are opposite in appearance and frequently grouped close to the tips of the stems.
Flowers:
Flowers are 1/8 to ¼ inch across, single or in small clusters at the tips of branching stems. They have 6 to 20 yellow filaments in the center and 4 to 6 yellow petals notched at the tip. Two or four smooth or somewhat hairy green sepals are located behind the bloom.
Fruit:
Fruit are egg-shaped capsules that break open in the center to release a large number of small, glossy black seeds.
Stems:
Reddish-purple, generally prostrate, and smooth their maximum height is 40 centimeters, and they often branch out at the base to create a structure like a mat.
Roots:
The taproot of common purslane has fibrous secondary roots. The plant can withstand drought and poor soil conditions thanks to its root system.
Habitat:
Botanically speaking, purslane is also known as portulaca, or Portulaca oleracea. Environment it thrives in gardens, roadsides, orchards, vineyards, crop fields, and other disturbed places.
Parts Used:
- Stems
- Leaves
- Flower
- Buds
Chemical Constituents
Other chemical components known to be present in it include urea, calcium, iron, phosphorus, manganese, copper, and fatty acids, particularly omega-3-acids, which are greatest in purslane among green vegetables.
Other Language Names of Common Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea)
French name – Pourpier vert
Spanish name – Verdolaga
Italian name – Porcellana
German name – Portulak
Portuguese name – Beldroeg
Hindi name – Lonki (Creeper)
Scientific Classification
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Subphylum | Eudicots |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Portulacaceae |
| Genus | Portulaca |
| Species | P. oleracea |
Common Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Uses
- This herb possesses antidepressant properties; it can be used to treat depression.
- Purslane is used to treat hemorrhoids and breast irritation.
- Applying this herb externally to wounds can help them recover because it has wound-healing properties.
- This herb’s calming and cooling properties aid in the relief of burns and insect sting pain.
- This herb’s diuretic properties support kidney function by assisting the body in getting rid of extra water. Numerous urinary tract infections can be treated with it.
- This herb is effective in treating psoriasis because it reduces inflammation. Purslane reduces psoriasis-related redness, scaling, and itching.
- Purslane Common (Portulaca Oleracea) is a treatment for fever and fever-related symptoms.
- This herb is crucial for cell and bone growth and can help maintain and improve visual health.
- It gets rid of free radicals from the body and strengthens the immune system to keep it operating normally. This plant strengthens the body’s ability to fend against diseases.
Common Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Benefits
Reduces the Chance of Getting Heart Diseases:
Many of us are forced to develop cardiovascular problems at a younger age due to the lifestyle we lead nowadays. To find out how freeze-dried purslane supplements affected adults with high cholesterol, researchers studied adults. The overall cholesterol levels have dropped, according to blood tests performed at the conclusion of every two weeks. It demonstrates the usefulness of purslane in lowering the risk of heart disease.
Assists You In Losing The Extra Weight:
Purslane, helps you get rid of those unwanted pounds. According to research, eating purslane on a daily basis can help you lose weight
Lower cholesterol:
It aids in metabolism and lowers triglyceride and cholesterol levels.
Lessens inflammation:
Eating purslane seeds on a daily basis has been demonstrated to lower cytokinesi because of its anti-inflammatory qualities. These are the compounds that regulate inflammation within our bodies.
Promotes Better Sleep Promotes Better Sleep:
A natural source of the hormone melatonin, which promotes sleep, is purslane. Purslane can be used to soups or salads to promote restful sleep. Purslane might help you achieve these benefits more frequently if you include it in your regular diet. This easy and really tasty purslane recipe is a great place to start.
Common Purslane (Portulaca Oleracea) Side Effects
Digestive Issues:
After ingesting purslane, some people may have constipation or other digestive problems. This is particularly true if you don’t often eat a lot of meals high in fiber.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:
To judge if purslane is safe to take while pregnant or nursing, there is insufficient scientific data. It is advisable to err on the side of caution and stay away from it wherever possible.
Kidney Issues:
For individuals who are susceptible, purslane’s high oxalate level can lead to kidney stones. Consult your physician before using purslane if you have a history of kidney stones.
Conclusion
Edible succulent purslane is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other essential components. The plant is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium and has more vitamin A than any other leafy green. Additionally, there is some evidence that purslane can enhance general health and aid in illness prevention.
Also Read: Valerian (Valeriana Officinalis) – Uses, Benefits & Side Effects
FAQS
What is a typical use for purslane?
Purslane can also be pickled or used in cuisine. Its usage in the treatment of burns, headaches, stomach, liver, and intestinal illnesses, as well as cough, shortness of breath, and arthritis, clearly demonstrates its medical usefulness.
What adverse consequences does common purslane cause?
The leaves contain a variety of hallucinogenic active chemicals, primarily alkaloids, which can also induce drowsiness, excitement (euphoria), and psychosis. The plant’s phytochemicals also have stimulant, tonic, astringent, and analgesic properties.
What advantages does purslane have for your health?
Edible succulent purslane is a great source of vitamins, minerals, and other essential components. The plant is rich in calcium, magnesium, and potassium and has more vitamin A than any other leafy green. Additionally, there is some evidence that purslane can enhance general health and aid in illness prevention.