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In the world there are hundreds of medicinal plants , with numerous health benefits, such as purslane. This is a small plant with a wide range of uses. It has been used since ancient times thanks to its medicinal properties. However, its consumption is not recommended in pregnant or lactating women. Purslane is also not advisable for people with digestive problems .
What is purslane?
Despite its many health benefits, the truth is that purslane has always been considered a weed, which grows anywhere.
Unlike other medicinal plants, the truth is that purslane is very easy to locate . A sprout of this plant can even appear in a small crack in the pavement.
Even so, this plant is characterized by its great resistance and its properties and benefits . Today it can even be found in the supermarket, in the same way as any other vegetable.
Purslane properties: nutritional components
This plant is a rich source of vitamins A and C , as well as group B. They are essential nutrients that contribute to numerous functions of the body, both physically and mentally.
In addition, purslane has a high content of minerals : selenium, zinc, calcium, magnesium, potassium … To this we must add that it is one of the richest plants in Omega 3 fatty acids.
The leaves of this plant are very rich in mucilage , fiber. That is why purslane is highly recommended for people suffering from constipation .
It contains antioxidants , which take care of the health of cells, as well as skin and hair. And finally, it should be noted that purslane is rich in melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep and wake states.
What are the health benefits of purslane?
Improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system
One of the best known benefits of purslane is that it significantly improves the functioning of the cardiovascular system thanks to its high content of Omega 3 fatty acids. An excellent natural remedy for people with high cholesterol. Thus, this plant reduces the risk of diseases such as myocardial infarction .
Eliminates fluid retention
One of the great benefits of purslane is that it has diuretic properties , so that it eliminates fluid retention. A natural ingredient that cares for the renal system as it promotes the expulsion of harmful substances and other waste from the body. There are many people with fluid retention or urine infection who consume this plant.
Avoid constipation
Constipation is one of the most common diseases globally, both among adults and children. Well, purslane improves intestinal transit as it is very rich in fiber. It has laxative effects, so it is a great natural remedy to effectively prevent and treat constipation.
Relieves symptoms of inflammatory disease
This plant is very rich in mucilage. That is why it has anti-inflammatory properties . There are numerous home remedies based on purslane that are used to alleviate the symptoms of diseases such as arthritis .
Reduce pain
For several thousand years, purslane has been used to reduce pain, as a natural pain reliever . A very effective natural remedy to combat different types of pain, such as migraine .
Combat the proliferation of bacteria
This plant has antiseptic and antifungal properties, so it takes care of the immune system by preventing the entry of bacteria . Purslane is also very useful in fighting fungal diseases.
Lowers blood glucose levels
In diabetic people, this plant reduces blood glucose levels. It is of great help to regulate your blood glucose status and combat your insulin resistance.
Improves anemia states
Purslane has a wide range of properties that improve the functioning of the body . Well, this plant also improves the symptoms of diseases such as anemia, as well as others caused by the deficiency of certain nutrients.
It is an antioxidant
And finally, it should be noted that this plant has antioxidant properties , so that it prevents premature aging of both the skin and the cells. Helps stabilize free radicals .
An organic ingredient that improves the health of skin and hair. On the skin, purslane helps treat problems such as burns or wounds. As for hair, it strengthens its health and takes care of hair follicles.
How to take purslane?
The purslane can be used as a medicinal plant or as an ingredient in cooking.
Medicinal plant
This plant is a rich source of vitamins and minerals . It has a wide range of health properties, so it has many uses: diarrhea, vomiting, hemorrhoids , fever … For these cases, an infusion of purslane leaves is prepared.
These leaves can also be used topically to relieve burns and insect bites, as well as to naturally treat strains and sprains as purslane has anti-inflammatory properties.
Kitchen
In the kitchen, the leaves are also used as an ingredient to prepare different dishes. The leaves are very rich in mucilage and their flavor is slightly acidic. It is usually added to salads.
Like spinach, purslane has very high levels of oxalate . Therefore, it is not necessary to abuse its consumption raw. It is also not recommended for those with kidney or digestive problems, as well as pregnant or lactating women.
The best home remedies with purslane
- Conjunctivitis : this plant is very beneficial to alleviate the symptoms of conjunctivitis, such as itching or burning eyes. You just have to wash a handful of fresh purslane leaves and squeeze them. Then, soak two cotton pads in the juice and apply them cold on the closed eyelids. Hold for a few minutes, and remove.
- Burns: Purslane is one of the best natural ingredients to relieve symptoms and speed up the healing process of burns. You just have to apply cold poultices on the affected area.
- Fluid retention: one of the main health benefits of this plant has to do with improving the functioning of the renal system. To apply this remedy you just have to add 15 grams of fresh leaves in a cup of water and prepare an infusion. It can be taken daily, on an empty stomach.
How to grow purslane at home
Purslane is one of the medicinal plants with the greatest number of benefits and health properties. If you are considering growing this plant at home, you should know that it is not complicated at all.
The seeds take around 10 days to germinate. You must keep the plant at a temperature between 21 and 32 ºC, better if it is indoors.
The first thing is to acquire the seeds. As we have pointed out, purslane is a very common plant, so finding the seeds is easy in any specialized store. In addition, they are very economically priced.
For its cultivation, you must fill a pot with abundant soil. You can also add a little compost as a fertilizer. When planting the seeds, you should spread them on the ground, not cover them.
Avoid watering the soil until it is soaked with water. Remember that seeds need a minimum amount of water to germinate.
And don’t forget to keep the pot in an area where it can receive good sunlight . The seeds of this plant take between 10 and 15 days to germinate.
Purslane contraindications
Despite the many health benefits of purslane, its use is not recommended in certain cases.
Its oxalate content is very high, so it is not recommended for those who suffer from stomach or duodenal ulcers. This substance slightly irritates the mucous membranes of the digestive system.
Also, oxalates are not suitable for people with kidney stones or gout.
The purslane is a very beneficial plant health. If you also want to enjoy all its benefits and properties, now you can grow it at home. Thus, you can have fresh purslane leaves on hand and use them to prepare different home remedies, or to add them to your salad.
Hello Readers, I am Nikki Bella a Psychology student. I have always been concerned about human behavior and the mental processes that lead us to act and think the way we do. My collaboration as an editor in the psychology area of Well Being Pole has allowed me to investigate further and expand my knowledge in the field of mental health; I have also acquired great knowledge about physical health and well-being, two fundamental bases that are directly related and are part of all mental health.