Content
Garden purslane is an annual succulent plant common in areas with warm climates. It grows in clearings, near water bodies, prefers moist sandy loam soils, aggressively occupies cultivated lands, and is considered a weed. Having studied the medicinal properties and contraindications of garden purslane, it can be used with maximum health benefits.
The value and composition of purslane
Purslane is used not only for therapeutic purposes, it is grown as a vegetable crop. Due to its low calorie content and high concentration of vitamins, macro- and microelements, the garden plant is included in the diet menu for weight loss.
The culture is used in folk medicine for local and internal use. Purslane is also used for cosmetic purposes.
The composition is quite varied, the green mass contains:
- vitamins: choline, thiamine, riboflavin, pyridoxine, folates, PP, NE;
- ascorbic and pantothenic, organic acids;
- proteins;
- norepinephrine;
- Sahara;
- saponins;
- alkaloids;
- trace elements: iron, nickel, copper, zinc, manganese;
- macroelements: phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulfur, sodium.
The seeds of the plant contain a high concentration of fatty acids: palmitic, linoleic, oleic.
What are the benefits of purslane?
The beneficial properties of vegetable purslane have been used since the time of Hippocrates. Vitamin C promotes the absorption of iron and normalizes the level of red cells in the blood. Improves the condition of the walls of blood vessels.
Macroelements at the cellular level regulate water and electrolyte balance, stabilize the conductivity of nerve impulses. They improve the functioning of the heart muscle and eliminate the manifestations of hypomagnesemia, leading to hypertension.
A garden plant has a beneficial effect on the body. It has the following properties:
- diuretic;
- regenerating;
- antitoxic;
- vasodilator;
- immunomodulatory;
- hemostatic;
- sedative;
- anthelmintic;
- laxative;
- antibacterial.
For storage, raw materials are prepared from side shoots; they have a softer structure
What diseases does it help with?
The spectrum of action of purslane is quite extensive; it is used to eliminate a number of pathologies:
- Due to the plant’s ability to lower blood sugar, it can be used to treat mild forms of diabetes.
- For neurodermatitis or psoriasis, the use of garden crops in the form of lotions helps. The liquid relieves swelling, itching and flaking.
- The amino acids in the plant break down fats, which prevents the accumulation of cholesterol.
- Purslane is beneficial for urolithiasis; the harm to health in this case lies in exceeding the dosage during the period of exacerbation of the pathology.
- Decoctions and infusions are indicated for cystitis. They act as an anti-inflammatory agent.
- Eyes with conjunctivitis are washed with water infusion.
- Use decoctions for bleeding gums.
- Purslane helps with asthma.
- The plant normalizes the functioning of the digestive tract, eliminates flatulence and dysbacteriosis.
- Use garden purslane for high blood pressure.
- Drink for arrhythmia, insomnia, irritability.
- Infusions effectively help get rid of helminthic infestations. They affect the muscle structure of parasites.
The culture is effective in treating wounds, helps rapid tissue restoration, and acts as an antimicrobial agent.
The benefits of purslane are manifested in cases of bee stings; the juice of the plant relieves redness and inflammation
An extract from the seeds is used for scaly lichen. Decoctions help with sexually transmitted diseases. The benefits of garden purslane are noticeable in the treatment of male impotence. The use of decoctions significantly increases potency.
The use of purslane in folk medicine
In alternative medicine recipes, the green mass of garden purslane and seeds are used. They are prepared separately. The plant is used to make decoctions and infusions. The juice of fresh garden purslane is used to treat skin pathologies. The chemical composition of the plant has antioxidant properties.Therefore, the use of the culture is possible to prevent the growth of tumors.
Benefits of purslane for constipation
The benefits of purslane for constipation are due to the concentration of substances that normalize intestinal microflora. They stimulate peristalsis, have a hyperosmotic effect, break up feces, and normalize the rhythm of digestion. Consume fresh leaves of garden purslane during the growing season in unlimited quantities. In winter, an infusion is prepared from dry raw materials, which will require:
- 2 tbsp. l. crushed dry leaves and stems;
- 200 ml boiling water.
Dried purslane is poured into a thermos, filled with hot water and left for 5 hours. Then filter. The daily norm is divided into 2 parts. I drink the first portion early in the morning, the next after 2 hours. Take on an empty stomach. The course depends on the speed of action.
For topical use, use the juice or leaves of garden purslane.
For skin diseases
The benefits of purslane for skin diseases are due to its regenerating, soothing, anti-inflammatory effect. Used for purulent formations, weeping eczema, non-healing wounds, psoriasis and neurodermatitis.
Recipe:
- purslane seeds – 20 g;
- water – 200 ml.
The seeds are placed in a container, filled with liquid and boiled for 20 minutes over low heat. The product is left to cool completely.
The broth is filtered, moistened with a clean cloth and applied to problem areas. The procedure is repeated three times a day, the course is 1 week.
For insect bites
Bee stings are accompanied by swelling and pain. The poison causes inflammation of the affected area. After mosquito bites, red spots with itching symptoms appear on the skin. The benefits of purslane include its anti-inflammatory effect and ability to reduce swelling.
When scratching, there is a high probability of infection getting into open wounds; in this case, the plant acts as an antibacterial agent. Use juice or leaves. The leaf plate is cut lengthwise and fixed on the affected area. You can use a blender to get a thick substance. It is placed on a cloth and secured at the site of the bite.
For diabetes
Purslane is used to treat second-degree diabetes. Taking it stimulates the production of insulin by the pancreas, which promotes the absorption of glucose at the cellular level. The benefits of the plant are undoubted, but only at an early stage and with a slight increase in blood sugar.
Purslane is consumed fresh in the summer.
It can be added to vegetable salads. In winter, an infusion is made from dry raw materials from the above-ground part. Prepare a daily dose of 1 tbsp. l. chopped leaves and stems and 200 ml of boiling water. The raw materials are poured into a thermos and left for 12 hours. Take after meals 4 times a day. The course of treatment takes two weeks, then a break of 5 days; according to this scheme, the drug can be taken for six months.
For diseases of the genitourinary system
The benefit of purslane is its antibacterial effect. It is used for douching for cystitis or sexually transmitted diseases. Make a decoction of 5 tbsp. l. raw materials and 0.5 liters of water. Boil for 10 minutes, filter and use. The course is completed when the unpleasant symptoms disappear.
For internal use, make a decoction of 2 tbsp. l. raw materials and 200 g of water, bring to a boil, leave for 4 hours, filter. Drink 1 tbsp. l. with an interval of 2 hours. Course – 7 days.
For heart and vascular health
The benefits of purslane for the cardiovascular system lie in the plant’s ability to improve the elasticity of the walls of blood vessels, increase the lumens and strengthen the heart muscle.
In folk recipes, the plant is used as a compress on the area of inflamed veins; a decoction is made from 10 g of seeds and 150 ml of water. Moisten gauze and apply to the problem area. For oral administration, make an infusion of dry leaves (2 tablespoons per 400 ml of water). Leave for 2 hours, drink 1 glass in the morning.
The daily dose of purslane-based products should not exceed 250 ml
For gastrointestinal diseases
The benefit of the medicinal plant is its hemostatic effect. It is used to treat ulcers and colitis. The rich chemical composition improves digestive function, helps restore microflora, and stimulates the production of secretions by the stomach.
In summer, garden purslane is consumed fresh. In winter they make a tincture. Pour 30 g of dry raw material into 150 ml of boiling water, leave for 4 hours, filter. Take 50 g 3 times after meals. This is the daily norm, the course of treatment depends on the symptoms, but no more than two weeks.
How to use purslane
The benefits of purslane in cosmetology and cooking are undeniable. The plant is used to make face masks and decoctions to improve hair structure. A low-calorie plant with a high content of protein, amino acids and vitamins is included in diets to lose excess weight.
In cosmetology
The healing properties of purslane are used in cosmetology to improve skin condition. The benefit of the plant lies in its ability to relieve inflammatory processes on the epidermis during acne.Masks based on purslane nourish and moisturize the skin, eliminate facial wrinkles.
Mask composition:
- crushed leaves of the plant - 2 tbsp. l.;
- curd mass – 60 g;
- sour cream – 60 g.
The ingredients are mixed and applied to the face. Stand for 20 minutes. Wash off with warm water.
To improve the hair structure, make an infusion of dry leaves, rub it into your head after washing your hair, leave for 25 minutes, and rinse.
When losing weight
The benefits of the plant in losing excess weight are due to its rich vitamin composition and a significant set of active components that improve the functioning of the digestive tract. The diet includes a fresh plant in the form of a salad. Consumption reduces hunger, improves metabolic processes, and eliminates excess weight. Low-calorie salad has a diuretic property, removes excess water from tissues, waste and toxins from the body.
In cooking
The green mass of purslane is juicy, the leaves are fleshy. The taste contains a slight concentration of acid, the plant has a pleasant vegetable aroma. The culture is included in salads, combined with garlic arrows; with the addition of spices, you get a good seasoning for meat. Cooked with onions, tomatoes and eggs in a frying pan.
There are quite a lot of recipes, you can choose for every taste.
Purslane salad is a low-calorie dish with a high gastronomic rating
Rules of application
If there are no contraindications, purslane can be consumed without restrictions. The benefits of green mass are beyond doubt; you can’t eat a lot of it, so there are no special recommendations here.It is recommended to take purslane in the form of a decoction or infusion according to the dosage indicated in the recipes. If the condition worsens, it is better to refuse treatment, because Some people have individual intolerance. Local use as a lotion has no restrictions; the decoction is used until the inflammatory process disappears.
Is it possible to purslane during pregnancy and breastfeeding?
A plant with a set of useful substances can be included in the diet of pregnant women in the form of salads. It is better to refrain from using folk recipes. Can be used as a cosmetic product. When breastfeeding, purslane is not consumed in any form; the rich chemical composition can cause allergic reactions in the child, diarrhea and indigestion.
Restrictions and contraindications
The beneficial properties of purslane are quite extensive, but there are also a number of contraindications. You should not take the drug in the following cases:
- for chronic kidney and liver diseases;
- women during lactation;
- for arrhythmia;
- if your blood pressure is low;
- with high hemoglobin;
- for epilepsy and severe nervous disorders.
Rules for collecting and procuring raw materials
The above-ground part of purslane is harvested before flowering, when the shoots grow no more than 15 cm. The stems are cut off along with the leaves. The plant is a ground cover plant, so it must be thoroughly washed to remove soil residues. After treatment, hang in a room with good ventilation and leave for 2 days. Then the garden purslane is cut into small pieces and laid out in a thin layer on the surface.
After drying, place the raw materials in a paper or canvas bag and store at low humidity. The seeds are collected after they ripen.Cut the flowers and lay them out on a napkin, then remove the seeds, dry them, you can use the oven, setting the temperature to +400WITH.
Conclusion
Considering the medicinal properties and contraindications of garden purslane, the culture is used not only in alternative medicine, but also in cooking and cosmetology. A low-calorie plant with a rich chemical composition is a good option when creating a menu for weight loss.
