Purslane or Pigweed?
2 min read
Purslane, also known as pig-weed, is a weed that has to be talked about. This weed grows everywhere you don’t want it to grow in the summer. It comes up in the cracks in the side walks and grows as a turf cover in the yard. This plant is a succulent and bloom magenta or yellow flowers. I’m sure we have a fussed about this darn plant growing near the garden or wood pile, but purslane are a super weed to me.
A cup of purslane tea a day keeps the doctor away. This little weed is supercharged with Omaga-3 fatty acid and plant packs triple the rate of store bought fish oil and is easier for your body to absorb because it is a plant base. Vegans have been using this plant for some time now to obtain their Omage-3’s. Purslane helps stabilize triglycerides and reduces the risk of coronary disease or stroke. However, if you have urinary issues, PLEASE, PLEASE drink plenty of water when using purslane. Purslane can crystallize into oxlate stones if not properly flushed out.
One cup of this plant contains a full daily dose of vitamin E (PMS, contractions, Alzheimer’s and diabetes). Purslane has more iron then spinach to promote and replenish red blood cells. It has 7x the amount of beta-carotene then carrots to promote better eye health, boost the immune system, skin and mucus membranes.
Purslane is chock-full of other vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, B-complex and minerals like potassium, calcium and magnesium. The calcium in this plat is better then supplement it is easier to absorb. Purslane gives stronger bones and more flexible skeletal system. Magnesium promotes a health muscular system and is an anti-inflammatory. Purslane is excellent for people who suffer from psoriases.
This weed is anti-everything. It’s and antiviral, antibacterial, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and an anti-pregnancy (lol). Pregnant women should not use purslane, it encourages uterine contractions and could result in early labor.
Again next time you look at your yard, think of it as a medicine cabinet. Love your weeds!!!!!
Written By: T.K. Barwwod
(A Note From APN: We strongly suggest you check with your doctor before starting or stopping all medications or herbs. (weeds) We are not responsible for your health and we are not doctors. Please be safe.)
Much more information at
http://www.eattheweeds.com/edible-flowers-part-nine/
Well, the picture shows Portulaca, a flowering sedum common in garden centers. Pigweed is the common name for our local amaranth. You can eat it and collect the tiny nutritious seeds, although without processing they pass through the digestive system undigested. Prickly pigweed is a little smaller but has the same leave as regular amaranth. Purslane is succulent, like sedum, and I would not be surprised if it is related, but purslane, which btw is sold in latino grocery stores, has a flatter leaf and a nice tart flavor. It’s good for weight and blood sugar issues, amoung other things. It is a common weed in both North and South America. I garden in both Maryland and Ecuador!
Hi Susan,
I live in San Francisco but in Quito visiting my relatives and hoping to find some Purslane. I was happy to hear that you are growing it in your garden. Have you seen it sold commercially somewhere in Ecuador? Look forward to hearing back from you!
Margo