The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Growing Purslane
Posted by Wendy (Farmington, Mi) on 10/03/2009
Hi, I have not used purslane medicinally yet, but I can verify that it is very tasty! I was introduced to it in an event at Matthei Gardens in Ann Arbor which included a tour of the herb garden. Our guide had us all taste purslane, and I loved it!
I have ordered purslane seeds online to grow a more upright variety of the plant, and I have also uprooted some from public sidewalks that no one seemed to want. Be careful though! Purslane has a poisonous look alike (spurge) Purslane leaves are plump and shiny, the leaves of the lookalike are flat and not shiny at all. Spurge gives off a milky sap when the stem is broken, so if you see that, don't eat it! If you have any doubt, just buy the seeds.
If you google purslane, you will find all kinds of info on how to grow it and recipes.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tennessee) on 01/06/2012 490 posts
Amy, the answer to your question is probably yes, but if you want to be positive just type "purslane/pictures of" in your search window. I know I have eaten the plump little leaves off some of the purslane that I bought from a nursery with no problems.
I have also eaten some leaves off moss roses and other purslane plants growing wild with no problems.
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Deirdre (Earth Clinic) on 07/07/2009
★★★★★
I heard about purslane back in April when my husband's friend Mark was visiting from Canada and raved to us about it. Took me a couple months to get around to it, but I finally ordered the capsules from Canada (dreadfully expensive, unfortunately) two weeks ago and now can provide initial feedback on the herb. I also called Mark to ask for his feedback to post on Earth Clinic, since he's been taking it for over 2 years now.
First, Mark's feedback:
Mark has an anemic condition since having his spleen removed in his early 20s... His hemoglobin count was 80-85 for most of his adult life. Now it is 110. The only new thing he has added to his diet has been the purslane supplements, of which he takes 2 a day. His energy level has increased on it, also his sleep is better. Finally, no cold sores for the entire amount of time he's been on it.
My initial feedback after 7 days:
Increased stamina, which has shown up most obviously in karate. My energy typically ebbs by the end of the week when I am tired from training a few days in a row. Not so since taking purslane. Of course it's been too soon to know if this initial increase of energy will last, but I will report back in a few months.
Next - sleep. Yep, it's true. Deep, restful sleep. Vivid dreams too.
Will give another update in a few months, but this is my initial report on purslane for now. Hopefully some of the reputable US herbal companies will give this common weed notice and come to market with some affordable/competitive pricing. For now our choices are to pay $57 for a bottle of 60 pills from the only company producing purslane capsules, or consuming copious amounts of purslane in order to get the 500 mg!!
P.S. The only side effect I have experienced is feeling somewhat dehydrated upon waking. So increased water a night is a good idea!
Where to Buy: Uk
Posted by Sam (London, Uk) on 01/01/2013
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Dan (Colorado Springs, Colorado) on 12/04/2011
If you are in the market for purslane supplements, go to Natural Plantation.com They have several different products using purslane. All the best.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Amyg (Houston, Texas, Usa) on 12/30/2011
Is this is same type of Purslane that is sold at plant nurseries? My family owns a small nursery, we mainly sell bedding plants for the landscape. (begonias, petunias, pansies, ect. ) We also sell common purslane, it comes in several colors. I was wondering if this is the same kind that is being used medicinally or if it is a different variety. Thank you for your feedback!
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Rena (Mineral Bluff, Georgia) on 07/07/2009
Hi Deidre From Earth Clinic, You can purchase Purslane powder for as little as $15.00 to $18.00 a pound and encapsulate them yourself. I never buy the herbs from stores anymore, so much cheaper to make them myself, Peace, Rena.
EC: Thanks, Rena! Any idea how much mg. of purslane you get from a capsule's worth of the powder?
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Gloria (Brentwood, Ny) on 04/04/2010
Verdolaga it's a weed. My family used it for salads, it's very tasty and healthy. My grandmother used to say that verdolaga was one of the best cure-all herbs. Sadly people don't eat it anymore. I'm considering this summer to add it to every salad I make. You don't need to buy capsules or anything just go to your sidewalk and pull it just as you can do with dandelion. I laugh when I see people spending money at the supermarket from buying a bunch of dandelion and then they come home and de-weed their yard from the same plant!!
Where to Buy: Uk
Posted by Dawn (Yorkshire, Uk) on 09/10/2016
Would be nice if someone else supplying UK could link as this supplier seems to have removed his listing. Thank you.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 04/26/2010 113 posts
★★★★★
Hello, This is Merryanne in Central FL,,I just found Purslane for sale in my neighborhood,,I went to an open air market, it is always there on Saturday and Sunday,but I had not been to it in several years, well I was looking at the Mexican tables of produce and was schocked!!! There lay stacks of bundled purslane for $1.75, I was shocked,,I have spent a lot of time online looking for it and it is in my own neighborhood,,,If anyone is looking for it try you spanish stores, especilly the Mexican stores,,The man there said it is farmed just like there other crops. So I am going to start eating it and learn to make smothies.
Where to Buy: USA
Posted by Nancy (Deland, Fl) on 04/28/2011
Merryanne, I too have been looking for Purslane! I live in Deland, FL. Where exactly in Orange City did you find the Purslane?? Thanks very much.
Where to Buy: India
Posted by Mudassir (Hyderabad, India) on 10/19/2009
hi we are suppliers of pursline seeds in bulk quantity in india any body need please contact us to my email,
[email protected] or 919392389863
EC: Pursline is the same as Purslane, we hope?!
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Rena (Mineral Bluff, Georgia) on 07/08/2009
Hi Deidre From Earth Clinic,
It does depend on the size caps you are using, and the density of the powder since Mg is a weight measurement. I can give you approx: This was taken from the cap website.
"000" 1370 mgs.
"00" 950 mgs.
"0" 680 mgs.
"1" 500 mgs.
I only use the "00" size myself, and the machine that goes with that size. When you purchase the machine, be mindful of the size the machine says on the package, and the size caps you choose to use. The one machine does not work on all size caps, only the size indicated on the package. I can tell you from experience, a one pound package of herb powder will fill over 1,500 capsules with the "00" caps. Now talk about cost effective, Peace, Rena.
EC: Thanks so much for the info, Rena. Great to know...
Deirdre
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Deanna Michelle (Shreveport, Louisiana) on 10/15/2011
Does anybody know where can I purchase quality herb powders? Thank you in advance for caring and sharing.
Purslane Feedback
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/15/2011
Hi Deanna - I know quite a few people who have ordered from Mountain Rose Herbs and always seemed satisfied. They have organic, non-irradiated and ethically harvested products. Their Web site is:
http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/
The other one that is very popular is:
http://www.iherb.com/
Or check your health food store - sometimes they have large glass dispensary jars with various herbs, some powdered, and you can measure out the amount you need. Be sure to get organic herbs, though.
Good luck! Bess
