Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) is one of the most common edible plants in orchards and gardens, although it is also an excellent phytotherapy remedy due to its nutritional richness and medicinal properties.

To find purslane you don’t have to go to the countryside to look for it, because it adapts even to urban environments, where it grows even in the cracks of roads and sidewalks.

Although today it is classified as a weed, in Europe it was initially used as a medicinal plant and in India it has been cultivated since ancient times expressly in order to use it as an edible plant. In fact, although we see it a lot in our environment, it is not a plant native to Europe, but rather came to our continent from India through Asia Minor.

Here we are going to discover the main properties of purslane and its benefits as a food and natural remedy.

Below you have a video with a simple recipe to eat purslane and enjoy its benefits.

What benefits does purslane have?

Purslane is a plant with healing and nutritional properties, which is why it is an ingredient ideal in a healthy and balanced diet.

We owe the varied benefits of this herb, whether wild or cultivated, to the set of substances it contains in the aerial parts.

In the leaves, stems and buds Purslane contains active ingredients such as mucilage, oxalic acid, citric acid, fatty acids (especially α-linolenic and linoleic), flavonoids, trace elements, vitamins and mineral salts.

Some of these compounds and the synergy between them provide purslane with a series of benefits for human health. Below, we discover the most interesting ones.

1. Promotes eye health

Purslane is one of the edible plant species with the highest levels of vitamin A, a natural antioxidant that helps protect eyesight. There are even studies that highlight the benefits of the antioxidants in this plant in protecting against lung and oral cavity cancer.

In some Mediterranean regions the infusion of the seeds for eye washess as a treatment for conjunctivitis. (Source: Piante medicinali in Sardegna, Enrica Campanini).

2. Helps regain strength

The mineral salts and vitamins present in fresh leaves and stems of this vegetable make it a superfood with notable restorative properties.

Its slightly acidic and mild flavor also gives it a refreshing touch and makes it ideal for mixing in salads and accompanying protein-based dishes. As a consequence, it is also ideal for stimulating appetite when there is a lack of appetite.

3. Accelerates skin regeneration and reduces inflammation

The beneficial properties of purslane for the skin have been known since ancient times. Dioscorides, for example, recommended it as a «detertive with wine for skin eruptions on the head and as a poultice with barley flour for gangrenous wounds.»

He soothing and healing effect It may be related to the synergy of substances such as mucilage and antioxidants present in purslane. Recently the results of a double-blind randomized clinical trial have demonstrated the potential beneficial effects and the absence of side effects of a cream based on Portulaca oleracea L. in the nipple fissure cure in lactating women.

Popular medicine contemplates the topical use of fresh crushed purslane leaves and stems for wound healing, fade acne and other irritations of the skin.

4. Prevents digestive problems

The main people responsible for this property of the P. oleracea They are mucilage, which promotes the digestive process and prevents problems such as constipation.

In addition to a slightly laxative power, the active compounds of the plant consumed fresh stimulate the enzyme production at the liver levelwith positive effects on the entire digestive process.

5. Enriches vegan diets and dietary regimens

Portulaca is one of the vegetables with the highest contribution of vitamin A. It also contains B vitamins and fatty acids that are rarely found in terrestrial plant species.

Thanks to these nutrients, it is an ideal ingredient in vegan diets in which sources of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B must be introduced alternatives to meat and fish.

It is also an option in diets to lose weight, because it provides us with a concentrate of mineral salts and vitamins or other substances good for health, but it contains very few calories (approximately 20 in a 100 gram serving).

6. Promotes the health of the circulatory system

This common edible wild herb possesses characteristics that are not so common in the plant kingdom. The most notable thing about purslane is the presence of omega-3 fatty acids and high antioxidant content.

The set of these substances also promotes blood health and is considered a potentially effective ingredient in the prevention of cardiocirculatory diseases.

7. It is a good food for bone health

We have commented on the presence of vitamins, antioxidants and fatty acids in the leaves and stems of purslane. But this plant is also a rich source of mineral salts and trace elements. The presence of calcium, magnesium and ironimportant elements to maintain healthy bones and prevent problems related to aging.

8. Promotes kidney health

Another peculiarity of purslane is its fleshy texture due to the large presence of water and soluble fiberespecially in the leaves and tender stems of the plant.

The high supply of water together with the minerals gives it a diuretic action. As a consequence, the Portulaca oleracea It promotes diuresis and contributes to the elimination of toxins and the proper functioning of the kidneys.

In short, purslane is much more than an edible wild herb, because due to its nutrients and properties it provides us with a large number of health benefits that we can take advantage of by including it in our salads and other recipes.