Purslane Chinese Herb

Purslane (Ma Chi Xian): A Sour Herb for Cooling Blood, Clearing Damp-Heat, and Relieving Dysentery

Introduction

Purslane, known as Ma Chi Xian (马齿苋) in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is sour and cold, with slippery properties. It is valued for clearing heat, resolving toxins, cooling the blood, and stopping dysentery. It is especially used for bloody or damp-heat dysentery, hemorrhoids, and sores caused by toxic heat. Purslane also provides nutritional benefits, making it both a medicinal herb and an edible vegetable.

What Is Purslane?

Ma Chi Xian comes from the fresh aerial parts of Portulaca oleracea L., a succulent herb commonly eaten as a leafy vegetable. In TCM, it is classified as sour and cold, entering the Large Intestine and Liver meridians. Its dual ability to nourish and detoxify makes it suitable for both food therapy and medicinal use.

Health Benefits of Purslane

Clears heat and resolves toxins – Treats boils, carbuncles, and sores from toxic-heat.

Cools the blood and stops bleeding – Used for bloody dysentery, hemorrhoids, and uterine bleeding.

Relieves dysentery – Effective for damp-heat dysentery with abdominal pain, diarrhea, and mucus-blood stools.

Moistens intestines – Supports digestion and relieves constipation.

Provides nutrition – Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants.

How to Use Purslane

Fresh juice – Taken for dysentery or toxic sores.

Decoction – Boiled and used for internal heat-toxin conditions.

Topical use – Applied as a poultice for skin sores, boils, and swellings.

Culinary use – Consumed as a vegetable in soups, stir-fries, or salads for general health.

Where to Buy Purslane

TCM shops – Available fresh (in season) or dried for decoctions.

Herbal suppliers – Found online in dried or powdered form.

Markets – Sold as a leafy green in many Asian and Mediterranean food markets.

Look for: fresh, green leaves with a slightly sour, tangy taste.

Are There Any Side Effects?

Purslane is generally safe, but due to its cold nature, excessive use may harm the Spleen and Stomach in people with yang deficiency. Pregnant women should avoid high doses, as it may stimulate uterine contractions.

Conclusion

Purslane (Ma Chi Xian) is a sour, cold herb in TCM that clears heat, resolves toxins, and cools the blood. It is particularly effective for dysentery, bleeding, and toxic sores, while also serving as a nutritious vegetable. Its dual role as both food and medicine makes it a valuable addition to both diet and treatment.

FAQ

Can purslane help with dysentery? – Yes, it is especially used for damp-heat and bloody dysentery.

Is it safe to eat as a vegetable? – Yes, purslane is commonly consumed as a food, offering nutritional benefits.

Can it stop bleeding? – Yes, it cools the blood and is effective for hemorrhoids, bloody stools, and uterine bleeding.