Amazing Health Benifits Of "KULFA" Leaf ( purslane )

Purslane is found growing as weed in waste lands. It is distributed throughout the warmer parts of World and known by many common names such as Pigweed, Kulfa, Pourpier, Rigla etc. It is a succulent spongy plant and contains gum like substance. It is one of the oldest leafy vegetable which is used in India, Japan, Africa, Australia and America. It is eaten as salads and vegetables.

Purslane is also used as a medicinal plant. It has been used as folk medicine from ancient times. WHO (World Health Organization) has included it in list of most widely used medicinal plant.

This plant is antibacterial, antiscorbutic (prevents or cures scurvy), depurative (purifying; purgative), and febrifuge (reduces fever). The diuretic (increase the discharge of urine) action of plant is due to presence of high percentage of potassium salts.

Nutrition of Purslane

Nutritionally, Purslane contains more omega-3 fatty acids (alpha-linolenic acid in particular) than any other leafy vegetable plant. It also contains vitamins (mainly vitamin A, vitamin C, and some vitamin B and carotenoids), dietary minerals (magnesium, calcium, potassium, and iron).

It also contains two types of betalain alkaloid pigments, Reddish betacyanins (visible in the coloration of the stems) and the yellow betaxanthins (noticeable in the flowers and in the slight yellowish cast of the leaves). Both are potent antioxidants and have been found to have antimutagenic properties in laboratory studies.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Purslane

1. Leaves and plant juice is particularly effective in the treatment of skin diseases and insect stings.
2. Leaves tea is used in the treatment of stomach aches and headaches.
3. Whole plant is used for Iron deficiency and skin allergy.
4. It has significant liver protective and regenerative activities and can be used as in treatment of liver disorders like liver, dysfunction, viral hepatitis, and alcoholic liver disorders.
5. Seeds powder is tonic and expels intestinal worms.
6. Bruised leaves are used topically for erysipelas, burns and swellings.
7. Poultice of leaves is applied to burns.
8. Rich source of pre-vitamin A, and vitamins C and E, as well as omega-3-fatty acids.
9. Also: Good substitute for okra as a thickener in soups.
10. Seed’s powder can be mixed with cereals for use in gruels, bread, pancakes.

Dosage of Purslane

Recommend dose of fresh juice of whole plant 1ml-20ml for oral administration.

For topical application, larger amounts can be grounded into a paste to apply to the skin.

Side-effects/Caution

This plant contains oxalate (910–1679 mg/100g fresh weight).

Eating large amount of raw green Purslane is harmful.