Purslane Tincture

4 oz. brown glass bottle fresh plant tincture of Purslane (Portulaca oleracea).  The plant possesses marked antioxidant activity and is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These phytochemicals have been used to treat bipolar disorders, depression, hyperactivity congenital heart disease and migraines. The complex array of constituents, vitamins and minerals has also been useful in the treatment of candida, lupus and fibromyalgia. As a tonic, use 1 to 2 tsp. daily in a small amount of juice or water. Click on heading for a page of additional information.

Purslane is a common, herbaceous succulent annual weed in Suriname; it can grow up to a height of 18". The stems are reddish and the fleshy succulent leaves alternate, while the small flowers are yellow and growing in clusters. The flowers are hermaphrodite (male and female organs are on the same plant) and are pollinated by insects; the plant is self-fertile. The small, shiny-black edible seeds are wrinkled; they are formed in a tiny pod.

Constituents: Antioxidants (glutathione and alpha-tocopherol), fatty acids (linoleic acid, palmitic acid) and amino acids (phenylalanine, alanine, tyrosine, and aspartate). Also contains carbohydrates, lipids, glycosides, alkaloids, sterols, triterpenes, and flavonoids. Phenolic constituents include: scopoletin, bergapten, isopimpinellin, lonchocarpic acid, robustin, genistein, Plant acids include citric, malic, ascorbic, succinic, fumaric, and acetic acids. The volatile oil of P. oleracea contains linalool and 3,7,11,15-tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol. Purslane also has vitamins A, C and E and the minerals: calcium and potassium salts, phosphorus, manganese, magnesium, foliate, lithium, silicone, copper; high levels of potassium and iron, plus glutathione and Omega 3 fatty acids. It is also a good source of Co-enzyme Q10.

Antifungal – Purslane possess antifungal properties, with marked activity against the genus Trichophyton. Trichophyton rubrum is a fungus that is the most common cause of athlete's foot , jock itch and ringworm. Although the tricophyton rubum is the most common of the dermatophytes causing fingernail fungus infections, there are others. Tricophytum mentagrophytes is the second most common source of fungal nail infections from the dermatophyte group. Combine equal parts of tinctured Purslane, Scarlet Gilia, Western Mugwort and Oregon Grape root. Apply as a topical application to affected areas several times daily, until all symptoms have disappeared. 

Cancer aid – Purslane has a specific and distinct effect on the inhibition and/or suppression of gastric tumor cell growth in vitro and in vivo. An aqueous extract also showed a tumoricidal activity against KATO III (human gastric carcinoma cell line) and COLO 320 HSR cells (human colon adenoma cell line), but showed no effect against the non-tumorous cell lines, L929 (murine lung connective tissue) and W138 (human lung diploid cell) cells. Take 2 dropper twice daily, as an anti-tumor aid.

Dermatological Aid – The fresh juice is excellent as a topical applications for inflamed skin conditions (boils, cuts, dermatitis and psoriasis). 

Heart aid – Purslane is rich in pectin, which lowers cholesterol. It has been used to replace hypolipidemic drugs, such as statins, to lower the fat content of the blood. Take 1 tsp. of the tincture or 2 tsp. of the fresh juice twice daily.

Lung aid – Therapeutic effects of Purslane for respiratory diseases are indicated in ancient Iranian medical books. The bronchodilatory effect of the extract of Portulaca oleracea in the airway of asthmatic patients was examined. The results of the present study showed that Purslane has a relatively potent but transient bronchodilatory effect on asthmatic airways. Use the tinctured plant in doses of one to three droppers in a small amount of water when needed. Mixes well with Mullein tincture for bronchial conditions (2 parts tinctured Purslane to 1 part tinctured Mullein).

Oral aid – The phenolic constituents of the plant exhibit antimicrobial effects. Purslane in a combination mouthwash demonstrated antimicrobial as well as anti-inflammatory effects. Combine tinctured Purslane with an equal amount of tinctured Oregon Grape root. Add 1 Tbsp. of the mixture to 1/2 cup of warm water and use as a mouthwash.

Stomach aid – Purslane's mucilaginous properties make it useful in GI problems. The fresh juice (1/4 cup in 1/2 cup of warm water) is best for treating such problems. However, the relaxant effect of the tinctured plant has a soothing effect on smooth muscle tissue, and can therefore often ease issues affecting the stomach and digestive tract (one to 2 tsp. in 1/2 cup of warm water, as needed). 

Tonic – The plant possesses marked antioxidant activity and is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids. These phytochemicals have been used to treat bipolar disorders, depression, hyperactivity congenital heart disease and migraines. The complex array of constituents, vitamins and minerals has also been useful in the treatment of candida, lupus and fibromyalgia. As a tonic, use 1 to 2 tsp. daily in a small amount of juice or water.

Urinary Tract – The tea or tincture works well in combination with Shepherd's Purse. For the tea, combine two parts dried chopped Purslane with one part dried chopped Shepherd's Purse. Use 2 tsp. of the mixture per cup of boiling hot water. Take several cups throughout the day for three to five days. Purslane is also considered to be a “cooling aid” and cleansing stimulant of the kidneys.

Veterinarian aid – Purslane, placed in animal feed, prevents diarrhea as well as provides immunostimulation. It has also been effective in treating hookworms and amoebic dysentery.