MEDICINAL PLANTS

The purslane is a herbaceous plant belonging to the family Portulacaceae. It is usually an herb often branching, with branches spread across the ground and forming extensive networks. The leaves are opposite on the bottom and go spreading as we ascend the stem. The flowers of this plant are very often go unnoticed, but if you look in the sun you can see the whole plant very open adorned with flowers. The fruit is dry and opens by an operculum or lid. Purslane grows in uncultivated land for most of the country, usually in the lowlands.

FLOWERING

If the weather is good, purslane begins to bloom in May, this time extending into the fall. For medicinal purposes interested in aerial parts, which are used fresh as we shall now see.

APPLICATIONS

The abundance of mucilage is what prevails in this herb, being the only important thing that deserves attention on its composition, but also contains saponins, salts, proteins and some ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This gives the plant mucilage laxative properties. Popularly attributed to other virtues as a diuretic, demulcent, hypoglycaemic and anthelmintic, but all these qualities are merely a reflection of its main virtue, which lies in promoting intestinal transit, increasing the number of stools in quantity and quality. This mucilage, as it passes through the various sections of the digestive system, you drag substances harmful to the body as well as other substances such as fats, cholesterol, etc.. But these effects would not occur if at the same time that ingested the plant does not consume water liberally, and that increasing dietary fiber should always be accompanied by an increase in water intake. Otherwise, all these mucilages can cause severe intestinal obstruction requiring emergency surgery. Besides being a good laxative herb-can eat any vegetables-raw or cooked, and its use is recommended as it is a very healthy food. In topical use also has some properties, such as in gingivitis, boils and abscesses, conjunctivitis and wounds.

ADMINISTRATION

Raw herb. As if it were any known vegetable. Can be aligned to any taste or experience delicious dish with it will benefit from its medicinal virtues while we enjoy a delicious meal. There is only one recommendation: carefully wash the leaves.
Infusion. Prepare a rate of one tablespoon of fresh plant in a cup of boiling water. They take about 3 cups per day, divided into main meals.
For external use. Prepare an infusion more concentrated than the previous one and is applied topically on wounds, boils, abscesses, etc..

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Portulacaceae
HABITAT: Uncultivated areas of the country
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Aerial parts
CATALAN: Verdalaga
BASQUE: Ketozki, getozka
GALICIAN: Baldroaga

USES

Strong Laxative, Mild diuretic, Mild deworming.