Portulaca oleracea

Portulaca oleracea
Family:Portulaca oleracea; Antiscorbutic; Depurative; Diuretic; Febrifuge; Skin; Tonic; Vermifuge.
Common name:Green purslane
The plant is antibacterial antiscorbutic depurative diuretic and febrifuge. The leaves are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids which is thought to be important in preventing heart attacks and strengthening the immune system. Seed sources such as walnuts however are much richer sources. The fresh juice is used in the treatment of strangury coughs sores etc. The leaves are poulticed and applied to burns both they and the plant juice are particularly effective in the treatment of skin diseases and insect stings. A tea made from the leaves is used in the treatment of stomach aches and headaches. The leaf juice is applied to earaches it is also said to alleviate caterpillar stings. The leaves can be harvested at any time before the plant flowers they are used fresh or dried. This remedy is not given to pregnant women or to patients with digestive problems. The seeds are tonic and vermifuge. They are prescribed for dyspepsia and opacities of the cornea.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 05:18 []