Does dried purslane still have medicinal effects?
Mar 28, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. He Haochen
Introduction
Dried purslane generally has therapeutic effects. Purslane possesses good properties for clearing heat, detoxifying, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, and alleviating dysentery. In traditional Chinese medicine, purslane is typically used in its dried form. When fresh, it contains high moisture content and lower concentration of active medicinal components. Drying helps increase the concentration of these components, thereby enhancing its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, dried purslane generally exhibits beneficial medicinal effects.
Portulaca (Ma Chi Xian) generally retains its medicinal properties when dried, but should be used with caution by individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach, as well as pregnant women, to avoid adverse effects. Specific analysis is as follows:
Portulaca is a type of Chinese herbal medicine known for its effective properties in clearing heat and detoxifying, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, and relieving dysentery. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as heat-toxin-induced bloody diarrhea, heat-toxin skin infections, damp-heat urinary disorders, and abnormal vaginal discharge. In traditional Chinese medicine, Portulaca is typically used in its dried form because the fresh herb contains high moisture content, resulting in lower concentration of active components. Drying enhances the potency of the herb, thereby improving its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, dried Portulaca generally remains effective.
Portulaca should usually be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner to prevent inappropriate use and potential adverse reactions.
