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Purslane (ma chi xian)
What is purslane? What is it used
for?
Although regarded as a weed in the United States, purslane
is a well-known plant able to tolerate almost any kind of
soil or weather. It grows up to 20 inches high, with purple
or green stems; greenish, tear-shaped leaves; and yellow flowers
that open only when sunny.
The aerial parts of the plant (branches,
leaves, flowers, etc.) are used medicinally by being washed,
steamed (or treated with boiling water), and left to dry in
the sun.
In traditional Chinese medicine, purslane is used to remove
toxic heat and substances, and to arrest bleeding. Among the
Western conditions purslane treats are dysentery; boils and
sores; eczema; hemorrhoidal bleeding; and abnormal uterine
bleeding.
How much purslane should I take?
The amount of purslane being used depends on the condition(s)
being treated. Many practitioners recommend 9-15 grams of
dried purslane, or 30-60 grams of fresh purslane for oral
administration. Larger amounts can be grounded into a paste
to apply to the skin.
What forms of purslane are available?
Fresh and dried purslane is available at many Asian markets
and specialty stores.
What can happen if I take too much
purslane? Are there any interactions I should be aware of?
What precautions should I take?
At this time, there are no known drug interactions or adverse
side-effects from taking purslane. As always, make sure to
consult with a qualified health care provide before taking
purslane or any other herbal remedy or dietary supplement.
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References
- Cowper A. Portulaca oleracea, purslane.
Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism 1996;8(1):28.
- Kamil M, Chan K, Habibullah M. A review
on portulaca species — with special reference to portulaca
oleracea. Department of Pharmacognostical Sciences, Zayed
Complex For Herbal Research & Traditional Medicine,
Ministry of Health, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Australian
Journal of Medical Herbalism 2000;12(2):43-48.
- Leung AY, Foster S. Encyclopedia of
Common Natural Ingredients Used in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics,
2nd edition. John Wiley, 1996.
- Oh KB, Chang IM, Hwang KJ, Mar WC. Detection
of antifungal activity in portulaca oleracea by a single-cell
bioassay system. Natural Products Research Institute, Seoul
National University, Seoul 110-460, Korea Republic. Phytotherapy
Research 2000;14(5):329-332.
- Reid DP. Chinese Herbal Medicine.
Boston: Shambhala, 1993.
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