Purslane - A Therapeutic Herb
Kevin Pederson
Introduction
In ancient Greece, Portulaca Oleracea or Purslane Herb was
regarded as an important medicinal herb for treatment of fever,
female disorders, stomach aches, hemorrhoids, and for the
healing of wounds by Hippocrates, the renowned father of
medicine. Purslane herb was later considered as a cold herb
around the 17th century and was an important ingredient in a
prescribed fresh salad comprising basil, rocket, cress, and
garlic to combat "the common cold."
Purslane is today known as a beneficial juicy herb found as a
weed throughout the world. Purslane is commonly used as a
potherb or as an ingredient for salads. Purslane has been
recently identified as an excellent source of alpha-linolenic
acid. Alpha-linolenic is an omega-3 fatty acid, also known as
fish oil. This crucial content in Purslane herb plays an
important role in human growth, development and preventing
diseases. Moreover, this fatty acid cannot be synthesized by
humans and therefore has to be ingested.
Modern medical research also claims that Purslane herb is five
times richer in omega-3 fatty acids than spinach, and is high
in vitamin C also.
Characteristics of Purslane Herb
Overall Appearance:
This herb is a trailing annual with reddish, fleshy stems
whose ends will form roots when they come in contact with the
ground. Cultivated Purslane also known as Pusley & Verdolaga
grows about 3 inches high and 12 to 18 inches wide.
Leaves
The fleshy leaves are long, oval or spoon shaped and about
1/2 to 2 inches long.
Purslane has small, oblong, green leaves, which form
clusters. Leaves are usually in clusters of 5 or 6 and are
delicate and juicy.
The leaf has a central fibrous channel or stem extension,
without pronounced branching of side channels.
The leaves have a mild flavor.
Stem
The stem is round and smooth, and it trails along the ground
like a small vine.
Young plants have a green stem but as the plant matures the
stems take on reddish tints. Creeping stems are reddish brown,
about 10 inches long, with frequent branching
Flowers
Flowers are 1/4 inch long and a brilliant yellow in colour
with 5 petals, which contain miniscule round black seeds.
Benefits and Uses of Purslane Herb:
Purslane herb presents a wide variety of therapeutic uses and
each part of the herb is consumable and beneficial. Here is a
compilation of the known benefits and uses of Purslane herb
that is widely used the world over:
Key Benefits:
Purslane is known as an excellent source of vitamins A, C and
E and the essential amino acids. Reports describe Purslane as a
power food of the future because of its high nutritive and
antioxidant properties.
Purslane leaves contain Omega-3 fatty acid which regulate the
bodys metabolic activities. Purslane herb is known to have one
of the highest known concentrations of Omega-3 fatty acid in
any plant.
The stems of Purslane herb are known to be high in vitamin C.
Therapeutic Uses:
Purslane is widely used as a potherb in Mediterranean,
central European and Asian countries.
Purslane is also widely used as an ingredient in a green
salad. Tender stems and leaves are usually eaten raw, alone or
with other greens. They are also cooked or pickled for
consumption.
Purslane is used in various parts of the world to treat
burns, headaches, stomach, intestinal and liver ailments,
cough, shortness of breath and arthritis.
Purslane herb has also been used as a purgative, cardiac
tonic, emollient, muscle relaxant, and in anti-inflammatory and
diuretic treatments.
Purslane is popularly preserved for winter by pickling
Purslane in apple cider vinegar with garlic cloves and
peppercorns.
Purslane appears among a list of herbs considered to help
benefit conditions such as osteoporosis and psoriasis.
How to grow Purslane?
Here are some simple tips that may come handy to grow the
Purslane herb in ideal conditions:
April to August is the ideal season to sow the seeds when
frost does not pose a threat.
Press the seeds into the surface of the soil and leave
uncovered. Roots can also develop on parts of existing plants
that are inserted into the soil. In fairly moist soil, two or
three successive plantings can be made.
Keep the herb well watered always. Thin the seedlings to 10cm
apart and when they reach 5-7cm in height cut them back close to
the ground. The seeds germinate very quickly.
Purslane can also be grown in a container. Purslane prefers
the sun and sandy soil for growth. One must water these herbs
during dry spells and feed lightly once in a while.
It is important to note that it is ideal to consume Purslane
when it is young. The flavor apparently deteriorates as it
starts to bloom.
Purslane grows well at day or night temperatures of 27 or
22oC and when days are long (16 hours).
Purslane can also be used as rotation crop when gardening as
they bring up subsoil minerals and protect against many
insects.
Because of its inherent ability to tolerate different light
intensities, temperature ranges and soil types. Purslane is
ideal for home gardens and provides a ready supply of greens
for the salad.
About The Author: Kevin Pederson, Webmaster for
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com gives valuable online home
solutions using natural herbs and things you can whiff up
together in the kitchen to treat common health problems. He
also writes content for many other health sites on yoga, hair
and skin care, aromatherapies and more.
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