Purslane is a plant that grows in gardens as a weed. Most people tend to get rid of it as soon as it starts growing, however this plant offers many benefits that very few people know about. Here are 8 good reasons to grow purslane in your garden:
Purslane is an annual herbaceous plant that forms tufts. It has long, trailing stems and is covered with small, soft, round, oily green leaves. Between July and October it is adorned with small yellow flowers. We taste the fresh leaves which have a slightly acidic and spicy flavour. It grows spontaneously in gardens in the south of France, but you can grow it in your own garden, or in a pot, if your soil isn’t suitable for it!
Purslane (Portulaca oleracea L.) extends its succulent stems, whose fleshy tissues are rich in water, at ground level in late summer. Mistakenly considered a weed, it is actually one of the oldest vegetable plants. Imported from the East by the Romans, then abandoned over time, it has naturalized in our gardens. Jean-Baptiste de La Quintinie, gardener to Louis XIV, had empirically understood the excellent nutritional properties of purslane and considered it a “healthy salad”. It is also a bioindicator plant, which means it provides information on the nature of the soil. If it is very present it is because the soil is too compact, lacks air and lacks calcium. Furthermore, it testifies to a dry substrate in summer and which has difficulty fixing the elements.
8 good reasons to grow purslane in your garden:
1. FIGHT DEPRESSION:
Purslane leaves are a good source of Omega-3, which is great fuel for the brain, prevents heart failure, and is a great treatment for depression. According to the life of mother earth, you can replace your green leafy vegetables in your dishes with purslane leaves. Use them to garnish your sandwiches, add them to soups, stews and especially to all your salads! Purslane has a peppery flavor and can sometimes be sour.
Contraindication: Avoid consuming purslane during pregnancy, it allows the contraction of the uterine muscles.
2. HYDRATION:
Purslane is made up of 93% water. Consume this herb to replenish dehydrated cells.
3. CALM INFLAMMATION
Already in ancient Greece, purslane was used to calm inflammation of the skin but also of the mucous membranes. Purslane will also be effective in treating respiratory inflammation such as sore throat, but also urinary inflammation such as painful cystitis. Furthermore, purslane has diuretic properties.
4. AN EXCELLENT ANTIOXIDANT
Purslane is rich in vitamins A, C and E which are said to delay cell damage and slow skin aging.
5. FACILITATE BLOOD CLOTTING
Purslane leaves are also used to facilitate blood clotting.
In phytotherapy the whole plant is used: fresh, in decoction or dried then reduced to powder to be taken in the form of capsules. A well-known benefit of purslane capsule is to regulate blood sugar, especially important for people with diabetes.
6. RICH IN ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Calcium and Magnesium: Add purslane leaves as suggested above to maintain healthy bones, teeth and muscles.
Potassium: Adding purslane to your daily diet will help you maintain good blood pressure
Iron: Iron isn’t just found in meat and beans. Purslane is also a good source of iron.
7. CONTAINS BETALAIN
Purslane contains betalain. It is an antioxidant that prevents cholesterol from damaging blood vessels. Purslane therefore has an extremely positive effect on cholesterol levels.
8. MELATONIN PRODUCTION
This antioxidant helps produce melatonin. Melatonin is very important for regulating the sleep-wake cycle.
HOW TO TASTE PURSULAK?
Very similar to lamb’s lettuce, purslane is sometimes called health salad. Its fleshy leaves have a beautiful intense green, even in winter. Something to brighten up the dishes! Don’t just eat the leaves because the stems are also very tasty. The thicker stems can be prepared and enjoyed as pickles.
Basically, let purslane grow in your garden! Learn how to add it to your dishes and you will be healthier!