Purslane: 12 Properties And Benefits Of This Medicinal Plant
Our body 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 combat harmful external (or internal) elements, it is not uncommon for us to experience some type of disease at different times in our lives that the body will have to combat.
Fortunately, the progressive knowledge of the environment that surrounds us has meant that throughout history, human beings have been aware of the existence in nature of different plants with medicinal properties, whose consumption can help us (albeit generally slightly) to strengthen our defenses. and even help us combat difficulties such as nausea or fever (a knowledge that was essential especially in times when medicine was barely developed).
One of these medicinal plants is 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.
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. Besides, It has been used in cooking since ancient times 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 for pregnant or breastfeeding women
Next we are going to 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, favoring the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system helping to combat cholesterol and helping to prevent possible problems in said 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 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.
4. It has anti-inflammatory properties
The composition of this plant, rich in mucilage, means that it also has anti-inflammatory effects, which helps reduce inflammation both generated by infections and other problems.
5. It has been used as a pain reliever
Since ancient times, purslane has been used as a medicinal plant. when treating some types of pain (for example the head or the molars), having an analgesic effect.
6. Antiseptic and antifungal
This plant also helps prevent the growth of some bacteria, contributing to the proper functioning of the immune system. Also It is useful with fungi and even with some parasites
7. Beneficial for diabetes
It has been observed that the consumption of purslane contributes to reducing blood glucose levels, and may contribute to regulating the glycemic state of patients with diabetes as well as their insulin resistance.
8. Helps against anemia
As we are seeing, this plant has 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 introduced into the diet it can contribute to the improvement of anemic states and the lack of certain essential nutrients.
9. Reduces 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 They help 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 that it contains components such as betalains, which contain relevant and known antioxidant properties. It 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.
