http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portulaca_oleracea |
It has flesh green and oblong leaves, about 1 to 2 centimeters long, and yellow flowers. Overall, the herb is purplish, which hints of anthocyanin content, which is a powerful antioxidant that makes plants purple and powerfully nutritious. That is true with Gulasiman.
Look how nutritious it is: it is reportedly rich in Vitamins A, B, B2 and C. It has a-tocopherol (a type of Vitamin E), nicotinic acid (Vitamin B3 or Niacin), and B-carotene (a precursor to Vitamin A and believed by some to be anti-cancer and promotes eye health). It is also rich in minerals like calcium and iron, glutathione, fatty acids (like omega-3), aspartic and glutamic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids (remember the term "alkaline"?), saponins (foamy), and urea (essential for metabolizing compounds with nitrogen content).
As a healing herb, the leaves are said to be effective against tumors, bruises, swellings, erysipelas, and gout. They are also used for washing or cleaning skin diseases like eczema, burns, cuts, and other wounds for an anti-hemorrhagic effect. The juice is reportedly good for dysmenorrhea, dysentery, dysuria, and expelling worms as vermifuge, with anthelmintic benefits. Seeds may be used as a diuretic.
Gulasiman is also said to be effective for treating poisonous snake bites, whooping cough and even tubercolosis. It has anti-ulcer, anti-diabetes, and anti-tumor properties.
Some folks mix it raw with vegetable salads.