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

Although we also have certain natural defenses that fight harmful external (or internal) elements, it is not uncommon that at different times in our lives we have some kind of disease that the body will have to fight.

Fortunately, the progressive knowledge of the environment around us has led to the fact that throughout history human beings have known about the existence in nature of different plants with medicinal properties, the consumption of which can help us (although usually slightly) to strengthen our defences and even help us to fight difficulties such as nausea or fever (a knowledge that was fundamental especially in times when medicine was barely developed).

One of these medicinal plants is the portulaca oleracea or purslane , known and applied since the Ancient Age, of which throughout this article we will see a total of 12 properties and benefits.

Properties and Benefits of Purslane

The purslane or Portulaca oleracea is a small plant but very resistant and adaptable that is extremely easy to find in nature. Although often considered part of the weed, the truth is that it has various uses and some people consider it a superfood due to its composition. Moreover, was already used in the kitchen since ancient times and some of its medicinal properties were known.

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

Below we will look at some of the many advantages and properties 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, promoting the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system , helping to fight cholesterol and helping to prevent possible problems in that 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 urinary infections or in people with oedema 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 . It also benefits the secretion of enzymes by the liver.

4. Has anti-inflammatory properties

The composition of this plant, rich in mucilages, also has anti-inflammatory effects, which contributes to reducing inflammations both generated by infections and other problems.

5. Has been used as an analgesic

Since ancient times purslane has been used as a medicinal plant when treating some types of pain (for example headache or toothache), 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 is useful with fungi and even with some parasites .

7. Beneficial for diabetes

It has been observed that consumption of purslane contributes to lowering blood glucose levels and may help to regulate the glycemic status of patients with diabetes as well as their insulin resistance.

8. Help 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-carbons and amino acids and being considered a possible superfood, if introduced into the diet can contribute to the improvement of anemic states and the lack of certain essential nutrients.

9. Reduces fever

Due to the above-mentioned properties, it helps to reduce the fever caused by various infections.

10. Helps control gynecological disorders

Some studies seem to state that the seeds of this plant contribute to stabilize the menstrual cycle in women who have 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 to contain components such as betalains, which have relevant and known antioxidant properties. It helps to reduce cell damage by oxidation and helps to 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 to treat pigmentation problems, burns or other dermatosis.

Bibliographic references:

  • García, A. (2015). Phytochemical evaluation and nutraceutical properties of Portulaca oleracea and Achillea millefolium. National Polytechnic Institute. Professional Interdisciplinary Unit of Biotechnology. Mexico.
  • Moscow, N. (2016). Purslane: a healthy alternative. REDI- Universidad FASTA’s Digital Repository [Online]. Available at: 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.