Purslane: 12 properties and benefits of this medicinal plant

Our organism is a highly complex system, made up of different interconnected subsystems. This system is not closed, and can be affected by external elements that can harm us.

Although we also have certain natural defenses that fight external (or internal) harmful elements, it is not It is rare that at different times in our lives some type of illness comes upon us with which the body will have to fight.

Fortunately, the progressive knowledge of the environment that surrounds us has caused that throughout its history the human being knew the existence in the nature different plants with medicinal properties, the consumption of which can help us (although usually slightly) to strengthen our defenses and even help us combat difficulties such as nausea or fever (a knowledge that was essential especially in the times when medicine was barely developed).

One of these medicinal plants is the portulaca oleracea or purslane, known and applied since ancient times, of which throughout this article we are going to see a total of 12 properties and benefits.

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Properties and benefits of purslane

Purslane or Portulaca oleracea It is a small plant but of great resistance and adaptability that is extremely easy to find in nature. Although it is often considered part of the weed, the truth is that it has various uses and there are those who consider it a superfood due to its composition. What's more, since ancient times it was used in the kitchen and some of its medicinal properties were known.

However, it must also be taken into account that people with ulcers and certain gastric problems should avoid it (since it increases intestinal motility), and it is also not recommended in pregnant women or during lactation.

Next we are going to see some of the many advantages and properties that it has, specifically a dozen.

1. Helps improve circulation and cardiovascular function

This plant is undoubtedly one of the vegetables with the highest level of omega-3, favoring the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, helping to fight cholesterol and helping to prevent possible problems in this system.

2. It is diuretic

One of the advantages of purslane is the fact that its consumption has diuretic effects, facilitating the emission of urine and kidney function in general. Thanks to this, it also allows us to expel harmful elements and waste from our body. It can be useful in urine infections or in people with edema or fluid retention.

3. Promotes excretion

In addition to diuresis, purslane also contributes to the proper functioning of the digestive tract thanks to its high level of fiber, facilitating excretion. In fact, it has laxative effects. Likewise, it also benefits the secretion of enzymes by the liver.

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4. Has anti-inflammatory properties

The composition of this plant, rich in mucilage, also makes it have anti-inflammatory effects, thus helps reduce inflammation both generated by infections and other problems.

5. It has been used as a pain reliever

Purslane has been used as a medicinal plant since ancient times when treating some types of pain (for example the head or the teeth), having an analgesic effect.

6. Antiseptic and antifungal

This plant also helps to prevent the growth of some bacteria, contributing to the proper functioning of the immune system. Also useful with fungi and even some parasites.

7. Beneficial for diabetes

The consumption of purslane has been observed to help reduce blood glucose levels, being able to contribute to regulate the glycemic status of patients with diabetes as well as their resistance to insulin.

8. Helps against anemia

This plant has, as we are seeing, a large number of important properties derived from its components. With a high level of vitamins, minerals, beta-carborenes and amino acids and being considered a possible superfood, if it is introduced into the diet it can contribute to the improvement of anemic states and the lack of certain essential nutrients.

9. Reduce fever

Due to the aforementioned properties, it helps reduce fever caused by various infections.

10. Helps control gynecological disorders

Some studies seem to affirm that the seeds of this plant help stabilize the menstrual cycle in women with irregular bleeding. However, it has also been observed that it could facilitate the appearance of contractions, something that as we have said makes it inadvisable in pregnancies.

11. Antioxidant

It has also been observed that it contains components such as betalains, which contain relevant and known antioxidant properties. Helps reduce cellular damage due to oxidation and helps stabilize free radicals.

12. Improves hair and skin health

Another property of purslane, due to its high percentage of nutrients and its antioxidant effects, is that it contributes to maintaining and strengthening the health of hair and skin and allows treating pigmentation problems, burns or other dermatoses.

Bibliographic references:

• Garcia, A. (2015). Phytochemical evaluation and nutraceutical properties of Portulaca oleracea and Achillea millefolium. National Polytechnic Institute. Interdisciplinary Professional Unit of Biotechnology. Mexico.
• Moscuzza, N. (2016). Purslane: a healthy alternative. REDI- Digital Repository of the FASTA University [Online]. Available in: http://redi.ufasta.edu.ar: 8080 / xmlui / handle / 123456789/1271.
• Pérez-Santana, D.; Martínez-Pérez, D. and Rodríguez-Sánchez, J.L (2015). Evaluation of the antioxidant properties of Averrhoa Carambola and Portulaca Oleracea L. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Food Sciences, 1 (2). Havana Cuba.