Botanical Source
The whole herb of Portulaca oleracea L., a plant of the Portulacaceae family.
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism
Sour in flavor, cold in nature. It acts on the Liver and Large Intestine meridians.
Functions & Indications
Clears heat and detoxifies, dissipates blood stasis and relieves swelling.
It is used to treat bacillary dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, acute appendicitis, mastitis, hemorrhoidal bleeding and leukorrhea. For external application, it treats boils, sores, eczema and herpes zoster.
Pharmacological Research
It delivers antibacterial effects, helps relieve bronchial asthma and promotes ulcer healing. It also has a unique effect of relaxing skeletal muscles both in vitro and in vivo.
Medicinal Diet Recipes of Purslane
Purslane is edible and medicinal. Below are practical dietary recipes with simple practices and health benefits.
1. Purslane Congee (Clears heat and relieves diarrhea)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 80g, rice 100g, a little salt.
Method: Rinse purslane and blanch briefly, then chop it. Cook rice into congee, add the chopped purslane and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt.
Effects: Relieves intestinal inflammation, suitable for mild diarrhea and poor appetite caused by damp-heat.
2. Cold Mixed Purslane (Detoxifies and reduces swelling)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 200g, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, salt.
Method: Blanch purslane in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, take out and drain. Mix well with seasonings.
Effects: Clear heat and detoxify, ideal for hot weather, eczema and oral inflammation.
3. Purslane Egg Soup (Nourishes and relieves dysentery)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 100g, 2 eggs, salt and sesame oil.
Method: Boil water, add purslane and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in beaten eggs to make egg drop soup, then season.
Effects: Alleviates abdominal discomfort and mild bacillary dysentery.
4. Stir-fried Purslane with Tofu (Soothes intestines and clears heat)
Ingredients: Purslane 150g, soft tofu 200g, scallion, salt.
Method: Stir-fry scallion first, add tofu and purslane, stir-fry evenly and season.
Effects: Mild and nourishing, suitable for people with weak stomach and intestinal heat.
5. Dried Purslane Tea (Daily health drink)
Ingredients: Dried purslane 10g.
Method: Brew with boiling water, steep for 10 minutes and drink.
Effects: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, for daily gastrointestinal care.
Dietary Notes
- Purslane is cold in nature. Pregnant women, people with cold stomach, loose stools and spleen deficiency should not eat too much.
- Choose tender young shoots for better taste and nutrition.
- Do not eat excessive amount continuously.