Disclaimer: All Chinese herbal teas, Chinese herbal soup, herbal decoctions, TCM dietary therapies, acupuncture, and Tui Na massage featured in this article serve solely as auxiliary wellness support. They fall under the category of dietary and traditional wellness practices rather than formal medical treatment, and cannot substitute for professional medical diagnosis, prescription medication, or clinical therapy. If you have received a diagnosis of colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, or any other physical ailment, you must adhere to treatment plans from licensed medical practitioners. Pregnant, breastfeeding, medication-taking or chronically unwell individuals are required to consult a qualified healthcare provider prior to use.
TCM Culture Disclaimer：Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) boasts a development history spanning thousands of years in China. Over 2,000 years ago, during the Warring States to Qin and Han dynasties, Huangdi Neijing (The Yellow Emperor’s Internal Classic) was compiled, establishing a comprehensive traditional theoretical framework for TCM. All TCM terminology, traditional wellness concepts for balancing bodily functions and historical health philosophies mentioned in this article are presented solely for the inheritance, popularization and cultural exchange of traditional Chinese medicine culture. This content shall not be regarded as clinical diagnosis or medical treatment guidance of any kind. Read more
Botanical Source
The whole herb of Portulaca oleracea L., a plant of the Portulacaceae family.
Nature, Flavor & Meridian Tropism
Sour in flavor, cold in nature. It acts on the Liver and Large Intestine meridians.
Functions & Indications
Clears heat and detoxifies, dissipates blood stasis and relieves swelling.
It is used to treat bacillary dysentery, acute gastroenteritis, acute appendicitis, mastitis, hemorrhoidal bleeding and leukorrhea. For external application, it treats boils, sores, eczema and herpes zoster.
Pharmacological Research
It delivers antibacterial effects, helps relieve bronchial asthma and promotes ulcer healing. It also has a unique effect of relaxing skeletal muscles both in vitro and in vivo.
Medicinal Diet Recipes of Purslane
Purslane is edible and medicinal. Below are practical dietary recipes with simple practices and health benefits.
1. Purslane Congee (Clears heat and relieves diarrhea)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 80g, rice 100g, a little salt.
Method: Rinse purslane and blanch briefly, then chop it. Cook rice into congee, add the chopped purslane and simmer for 5 minutes. Season with salt.
Effects: Relieves intestinal inflammation, suitable for mild diarrhea and poor appetite caused by damp-heat.
2. Cold Mixed Purslane (Detoxifies and reduces swelling)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 200g, garlic, vinegar, sesame oil, salt.
Method: Blanch purslane in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, take out and drain. Mix well with seasonings.
Effects: Clear heat and detoxify, ideal for hot weather, eczema and oral inflammation.
3. Purslane Egg Soup (Nourishes and relieves dysentery)
Ingredients: Fresh purslane 100g, 2 eggs, salt and sesame oil.
Method: Boil water, add purslane and cook for 3 minutes. Pour in beaten eggs to make egg drop soup, then season.
Effects: Alleviates abdominal discomfort and mild bacillary dysentery.
4. Stir-fried Purslane with Tofu (Soothes intestines and clears heat)
Ingredients: Purslane 150g, soft tofu 200g, scallion, salt.
Method: Stir-fry scallion first, add tofu and purslane, stir-fry evenly and season.
Effects: Mild and nourishing, suitable for people with weak stomach and intestinal heat.
5. Dried Purslane Tea (Daily health drink)
Ingredients: Dried purslane 10g.
Method: Brew with boiling water, steep for 10 minutes and drink.
Effects: Antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, for daily gastrointestinal care.
Dietary Notes
- Purslane is cold in nature. Pregnant women, people with cold stomach, loose stools and spleen deficiency should not eat too much.
- Choose tender young shoots for better taste and nutrition.
- Do not eat excessive amount continuously.
TCM Terminology Disclaimer:All traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) terms, descriptions, and wellness expressions including but not limited to nourishing lungs, soothing throat discomfort, supporting respiratory comfort, clearing mild internal heat, balancing qi and blood, harmonizing bodily functions, and regulating general wellness featured on this website are traditional TCM cultural descriptions and historical wellness theories only. These phrases are used solely for traditional TCM knowledge sharing and cultural interpretation. They do not constitute medical efficacy claims, have not been evaluated by the FDA, and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All TCM wording describes traditional auxiliary wellness conditioning effects only and should never be interpreted as clinical medical treatment results. Individuals with confirmed illnesses must seek professional medical diagnosis and follow standard Western medical treatment.
FDA Mandatory Disclaimer：These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Chinese herbal dietary supplements and traditional wellness practices are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and serve only as daily auxiliary health support. If you have been diagnosed with any illness, please seek professional medical care and follow standard Western medical treatment regimens.