Can Portulaca oleracea boiled water treat eczema?

Jul 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I have suffered from eczema for a long time, and my neighbor recommended using Portulaca oleracea (purslane) boiled water. Can purslane boiled water treat eczema?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Portulaca oleracea (common purslane) boiled in water can be used for the treatment of eczema. Also known as sun grass or five-element herb, Portulaca oleracea has multiple therapeutic effects, including clearing heat and detoxifying the body, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, and promoting diuresis to relieve urinary discomfort. For patients with eczema, boiling Portulaca oleracea in water can effectively alleviate symptoms such as skin redness and itching caused by eczema through its functions of clearing internal heat, removing dampness, detoxifying, and reducing swelling. For application, an appropriate amount of fresh Portulaca oleracea should be washed clean and boiled in water. Once the water has cooled to a suitable temperature, sterile gauze can be used to apply the Portulaca water as a wet compress on the affected area. This method can reduce external skin redness and achieve effects of relieving itching and controlling infection. Due to its cold nature, Portulaca oleracea should be used cautiously by individuals with deficiency-cold in the spleen and stomach and by pregnant women. Additionally, if eczema symptoms persist or worsen, timely medical consultation is advised to avoid delays in treatment. Therefore, in treating eczema, it is also necessary to incorporate other treatment methods, such as oral medications and dietary adjustments, to achieve better therapeutic outcomes.