Purslane garden: useful properties and contraindications, cooking methods

Useful properties of garden purslane have been known for a long time. However, initially the plant was distributed mainly in Asian countries, in which it is found in the wild. Purslane also grows in America. In Russia, it used to grow in the south and the Caucasus, but as the climate changes, it has become more widespread. Today, this culture is actively used in folk medicine.

What is this

Portulaca is an annual plant that has pronounced medicinal properties. Its flowering lasts from June to September.Culture is most often found in humid areas - on the banks of lakes and rivers. It can also be seen in wetlands. Recently, purslane has been increasingly grown in garden plots and vegetable gardens, especially when they are located in the lowlands.

What does the plant look like

Garden purslane is characterized by creeping or semi-erect green stems with a reddish tinge. Their length can reach 50-70 centimeters. The plant has fleshy obovate leaves that differ in pairs.

The shade of the foliage depends on soil moisture and can be bright green or darker. The culture has white or yellow flowers that adorn the bushes throughout the summer. Then boxes filled with seeds appear.

Plant composition

The plant includes the following components:

carbohydrates - in particular, glucose, fructose, m altose, sucrose;
proteins;
glycosides;
vitamins E, PP, K, C;
minerals;
alkaloids;
micro and macro elements - the culture contains magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, sodium;
carotenoids - these include beta-carotene and lutein.

According to research, purslane leaves contain dopamine and norepinephrine. At the same time, the seeds of the plant contain unsaturated fatty acids - palmitic, oleic, linoleic. They also include cellulose and starch.

Useful properties

The healing properties of purslane have been known since ancient times. Due to the content of vitamin C, the plant ensures the absorption of iron and restores the normal content of red cells in the blood. The plant also improves the condition of the vascular walls.

Macronutrients at the cellular level contribute to maintaining a normal balance of water and electrolytes. In addition, they provide stabilization of the conduction of nerve impulses. In addition, the plant normalizes the function of the heart muscle and helps to avoid a lack of magnesium, which leads to hypertension.

Purslane garden is characterized by a complex effect on the body. The plant has the following properties:

diuretic;
antitoxic;
restorative;
vasodilating;
sedative;
immunomodulating;
laxatives;
antibacterial;
anthelmintic.

Against what ailments

A very wide range of actions is characteristic of garden purslane. It is used to combat such pathologies:

mild form of diabetes - the plant helps lower blood sugar levels;
neurodermatitis and psoriasis - culture should be used in the form of lotions;
urolithiasis;
cystitis - decoctions and infusions of the culture have an anti-inflammatory effect;
conjunctivitis - an aqueous infusion of purslane can be used to wash the eyes;
atherosclerosis - amino acids contained in the plant promote the breakdown of fats and prevent the accumulation of cholesterol;
bleeding gums - in this case, it is worth using decoctions of the plant;
bronchial asthma;
dysfunction of the digestive organs, dysbacteriosis, flatulence;
arterial hypertension;
arrhythmia;
sleep disorders;
increased irritability;
worm infestation.

Where else is purslane used

The healing properties of the plant allow it to be used to get rid of excess weight. The culture is also actively used in cooking and cosmetology.

Diet

The plant helps to quickly get rid of excess weight. This is due to the high content of vitamins and a large number of active ingredients in the composition. Thanks to this, the plant effectively improves the functions of the digestive organs.

The composition of the diet should include fresh purslane greens, adding it to salads. This product reduces the feeling of a head, normalizes metabolism and eliminates excess weight. In addition, a non-calorie salad with the addition of purslane has a diuretic effect. This dish cleanses the tissues of excess water, and also removes toxins from the body.

Cosmetology

In cosmetology, purslane is mainly used for skin and hair care. Thanks to the use of the product, it is possible to reduce inflammation and get rid of acne. To make a healing mask, it is worth mixing the leaves of the plant, sour cream and cottage cheese in equal parts. It is recommended to keep the resulting mass on the face for 15 minutes.

In case of severe inflammation in the summer, it is recommended to wipe the face with cut leaves. In winter, you can use the infusion of a dried plant. To prepare it, 3 tablespoons of raw materials must be mixed with 200 milliliters of water and 1 tablespoon of vodka.

To improve the condition of the hair, it is worth preparing a composition based on 2 tablespoons of grass and 200 milliliters of water. Hair should be washed and rub the filtered mixture well into the skin. This will help eliminate the burning sensation, improve the appearance of the hair and prevent hair loss.

Cooking

Purslane is characterized by juicy and fleshy leaves. There is some acid in the taste of the plant. In addition, the greens have a pleasant vegetable aroma. It can be added to salads, mixed with garlic arrows and spices. Such a dish can be an excellent side dish for meat.

Also purslane is cooked with onions, tomatoes and eggs in a frying pan. In addition, pancakes or cutlets can be made from the plant. It is added to cereals and vegetables.

Cooking Methods

A variety of medicinal compositions can be prepared from purslane. These include the following:

Infusion - suitable for external use in psoriasis or skin lesions. To prepare this remedy, you need to take 1 tablespoon of chopped herbs and mix with a glass of boiling water. Leave for 1.5 hours to infuse. Take 2 tablespoons 4-5 times daily.
Tincture - is considered a universal remedy that can be used for sleep disorders, kidney or liver diseases and other pathologies. To make the composition, you need to take 1 tablespoon of vegetable raw materials and 200 milliliters of alcohol. The components must be placed in a dark glass container and infused for 3 weeks. Then the product must be filtered and stored in a cool place.
Decoction - this remedy has pronounced diuretic and choleretic properties. To make a decoction, you need to take 1 tablespoon of chopped vegetable raw materials and pour 250 milliliters of boiling water. Boil the composition for 10 minutes, then remove from the stove and leave for another 2 hours.

Contraindications

The tool is forbidden to take in such cases:

chronic pathologies of the kidneys and liver;
lactation;
low blood pressure;
increased hemoglobin;
epilepsy.

Helpful tips

In order for the plant to have an effect, it is important to follow the basic recommendations:

clearly adhere to the dosage;
gather grass with a shoot length of 20-30 centimeters;
plant seeds can also be used for medicinal purposes;
it is recommended to dry the grass at the minimum temperature.

Purslane is a useful plant that contains many valuable vitamins and minerals. Therefore, greens help to treat many diseases and help strengthen the body.