What is Purslane?
Known as “cats tongue” or “ma chi xian” (“horse tooth amaranth”).
Scientific Name: Portulaca oleracea
Fact #1
In Europe, this plant is eaten as a leafy vegetable in salads and soups.
fact #2
In Traditional Chinese medicine, purslane is used to treat snake and insect bites on the skin, boils, sores, pain from bee stings, and even ailments like dysentery, diarrhoea, and postpartum bleeding.
Fact #3
In ancient times, purslane was looked upon as one of the anti-magic herbs. It was strewn around a bed to provide protection against evil spirits while attract love and luck if carried. It was also carried by soldiers to protect them in battles. If laid on the bed, it was believed to protect that person from having nightmares.
