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Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.)



Family

  • Portulacaceae

Constituents

  • Lipids (15% of the plant's dry weight): Omega-3 essential fatty acids (400 mg of alpha-linolenic acid in 100 g of fresh leaves)
  • Vitamins: C++, E++, A, B1, B2 and PP
  • Betacarotene (45 mg/100 g of dry weight)
  • Alkaloids
  • Pectins
  • Glutathione, dopamine and catolamines, and norepinephrine
  • Potassium (585 mg/100 g), calcium (103 mg/100 g) and magnesium (68 mg/100 g)

Parts used

  • Whole plant

Properties

  • Diuretic
  • Laxative
  • Vermifuge
  • Antiscorbutic
  • Sudorific
  • choleretic
  • Depurative
  • Emollient
  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Antipyretic
  • Antibacterial

Side effects

In high or inadequate doses, purslane, in the form of dry extract, can cause undesirable digestive effects.

Contraindications

The consumption of fresh or cooked purslane has no toxicity or adverse effects.

On the other hand, its use, in herbal medicine, should be subject to medical supervision, especially in the case of cardiovascular disorders.

Interactions

-

Forms of use

  • Fresh herb: raw in salads or steamed (mixed with spinach)
  • Decoction / Infusion
  • 200 mg powdered capsules

Internal use in herbal medicine:

  • Intestinal parasites:
    • Decoction of bellflower seeds or leaves consumed in raw salads.
  • Cardiovascular diseases (preventive treatment):
    • Powdered or dried extract: 200 mg up to 3 times daily accompanied by a large glass of water.

External use in phytotherapy:

  • Flatulence: crushed Beldroega plant and placed as a poultice on the stomach (popular use).
  • Muscular contractures: compresses or poultices
    • 10 grams of fresh bellflower to 100 ml of cold water.
    • Boil for 10 minutes.
    • Apply to the area to be treated 1 or 2 times daily.

 


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