What are the medicinal effects of Ma Shicai?

Ma Shicai is a very common wild vegetable and is very easy to find. It can be eaten directly as a dish or used as medicine. It has the effect of clearing away heat and detoxifying, and can control blood pressure well. In some places it is called purslane, and this vegetable is very effective in treating various diseases. Many people don’t know that purslane can kill bacteria. Its effects are really endless. Although purslane is good, you should also be careful about the amount you consume and not eat too much. You should not rely too much on this kind of food to regulate your body.

Purslane is a very common wild vegetable in my country. It can be eaten and used as medicine. Portulaca has green leaves, red stems, yellow flowers, white roots and black seeds, so it is also called "Five Elements Grass". Purslane is also rich in SL3 fatty acids and vitamin A-like substances. SL3 fatty acids are necessary for the formation of cell membranes, especially brain cell membranes and eye cell membranes. Vitamin A-like substances can maintain the normal function of epithelial tissues such as skin, cornea and conjunctiva, participate in the synthesis of rhodopsin, enhance the photosensitivity of the retina, and also participate in many oxidation processes in the body.

First, diuresis, swelling and lowering blood pressure

Purslane has a good therapeutic effect on hypertension in the elderly. Purslane contains a large amount of potassium salt, which has a good diuretic and detumescent effect. Potassium ions can also directly act on the blood vessel walls, causing the blood vessel walls to expand and prevent the thickening of the arterial walls, thereby lowering blood pressure.

Second, eliminate dust and poison to prevent ulcers

Many people who work in dusty places can eat more purslane. Purslane can eliminate dust toxins, prevent degeneration and necrosis of phagocytes, prevent lymphatic vessel inflammation and fibrous changes, prevent the formation of silicosis nodules, and has a certain effect on vitiligo. Horsetail also contains more carotene, which can promote the healing of ulcers.

Third, sterilization and anti-inflammation

Eating purslane can also have a bactericidal effect on some inflammations. Purslane has a strong inhibitory effect on Shigella dysenteriae, Salmonella typhi and Escherichia coli. It can be used as an auxiliary treatment for various inflammations and is known as a "natural antibiotic".

Fourth, prevent and treat heart disease

Purslane contains a rich amount of Y-3 fatty acid, which can inhibit the production of serum cholesterol and triglyceride in the human body, help increase the synthesis of prostaglandins by vascular endothelial cells, inhibit platelet formation of thromboxane A2, reduce blood viscosity, promote vasodilation, prevent platelet aggregation, coronary artery spasm and thrombosis, thereby playing a role in preventing and treating heart disease.

Now that we know so many functions and effects of Purslane, we also need to know who should not eat Purslane. First of all, pregnant women must avoid eating Purslane, because it may cause miscarriage in pregnant women. People with weak spleen and stomach should also eat less. People who often suffer from diarrhea or have poor stomachs should also eat less purslane. When eating purslane, be sure not to eat it with pepper, powder, or turtle shell.