Purslane (portulaca oleracea)

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Other names for purslane

Purslane
Little Hogweed
Verdolaga

Synopsis of purslane

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) is a succulent, sprawling herb found around the world in both cultivated gardens and wild settings. Often considered a weed in the West, it is actually a highly nutritious edible plant traditionally used in herbal medicine and cuisine across Asia, the Mediterranean, and the Middle East. Purslane is rich in omega-3 fatty acids (especially alpha-linolenic acid)—unusual for a plant—as well as vitamins A, C, and E, magnesium, potassium, iron, and antioxidants such as glutathione and betalain pigments.

Medicinally, purslane is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and demulcent properties. It is used to soothe gastrointestinal irritation, reduce internal heat, promote skin healing, and support cardiovascular health. Its mucilaginous (gel-like) texture makes it particularly helpful in protecting the digestive tract lining and relieving minor burns or wounds when applied topically. Due to its omega-3 content and polyphenols, purslane is also considered cardioprotective and beneficial for metabolic health.

It is consumed as a fresh green in salads or cooked like spinach and can also be taken in powdered or tincture form in herbal preparations.

Historical Use in Medicine:
Purslane has a long and well-documented history of use in Greek, Roman, Middle Eastern, Chinese, and Ayurvedic medicine. In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates and later Galen noted its usefulness as a cooling and soothing herb, recommended for fevers, inflammation, and intestinal problems.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), purslane is known as Ma Chi Xian and classified as a herb that clears heat and toxins, especially from the intestines and skin. It is traditionally used to treat dysentery, hemorrhoids, skin eruptions, and insect bites. Its antibacterial and anti-parasitic properties were especially valued for infectious diarrhea and skin sores.

In Ayurveda, purslane (Loni or Kulfa) is regarded as a cooling, Pitta-reducing plant that aids in cleansing the blood, soothing ulcers, and relieving inflammation in conditions like arthritis or dermatitis.

Middle Eastern cultures incorporated purslane into both diet and medicine, praising it for its hydrating and detoxifying qualities in hot, dry climates. The famous Islamic physician Avicenna included purslane in his Canon of Medicine as a cooling remedy for mouth ulcers, liver heat, and urinary issues.

Purslane is used for these health conditions

Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Anemia (Traditional)
Arthritis (Traditional)
Asthma (Scientific)
Backache (Traditional)
Cancer (natural therapy for) (Traditional)
Cancer (prevention) (Scientific)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects) (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Diabetes (Scientific)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Edema (Traditional)
Fatigue (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Gastritis (Traditional)
Heart (weakness) (Traditional)
Hypertension (Scientific)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Liver Detoxification (Traditional)
Memory and Brain Function (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Ulcers (Scientific)
Urinary Tract Infections (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)

purslane is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Blood (Traditional)
Brain (Traditional)
Capillaries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Heart (Traditional)
Immune System (Traditional)
Intestinal System (Traditional)
Kidneys (Traditional)
Liver (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Reproductive System (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)
Small Intestines (Traditional)
Stomach (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)