A Patient-Friendly Summary on Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) for Flu and COVID-19
Dear Patients,
Over the years, I’ve shared many articles with you about natural ways to support your health, especially during flu season and the COVID-19 pandemic. One herb I’ve recommended often is Portulaca oleracea, also known as purslane or r’glat ha-gina in Israel. I’d like to summarize why I believe in this herb, how I started using it, and what science and my experience tell us about its benefits for flu and possibly COVID-19. This way, you have all the key points in one place.
Why I Chose Portulaca for Flu
Back in 2009, I came across an article from Life Extension, a trusted health company, that highlighted a scientific study (The FASEB Journal, 2009). This study showed that a powerful antioxidant called glutathione could help protect against a dangerous flu complication—fluid buildup in the lungs, known as alveolar edema. Glutathione is a natural substance in our bodies that fights harmful molecules (called reactive oxygen species) produced during infections like the flu, which can damage the lungs.
The problem is, glutathione supplements aren’t well absorbed by the body. So, I looked for natural food sources rich in glutathione. Using a famous database by Dr. James Duke (a top herb expert from the U.S. Department of Agriculture), I found that purslane is one of the best sources, along with spinach. Purslane is also packed with other nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids (great for reducing inflammation), vitamins (A, C, E), and minerals (like magnesium and potassium), making it a super herb for overall health.
During the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak, I started recommending purslane to my patients, either as a fresh vegetable in summer or as a tincture (liquid extract) in winter. The results were amazing—patients recovered from the flu quickly, often faster than expected. Since then, I’ve used purslane for flu with great success.
Scientific Support for Portulaca
In 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwanese researchers published a study (Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2019) showing that purslane has strong anti-flu effects. They tested a water extract of purslane and found it could fight the H1N1 flu virus in lab experiments and in mice. They recommended using purslane as an herbal remedy to prevent and treat H1N1 flu early on. This confirmed what I’d seen in my patients since 2009, and I was disappointed that major health organizations like the WHO didn’t pay more attention to this research.
Using Portulaca for COVID-19
When COVID-19 began in 2020, I recommended purslane to you as a possible support, even though we didn’t have direct proof for this new virus at the time. My reasoning was based on its proven benefits for flu, which is also a respiratory illness. I advised taking 30–40 drops of purslane tincture daily if you had the flu, alongside other remedies like echinacea, teas (tilia, sambucus, achillea, viola odorata), and Esberitox tablets for faster recovery. For children, I suggested smaller doses based on age (e.g., 1/4 dose for a 1-year-old, 1/2 dose for a 7-year-old), and I cautioned against use in pregnancy without consulting me, though purslane is generally non-toxic.
I also recommended purslane as a preventive measure during the pandemic, suggesting 30 drops once or twice daily (with echinacea) for everyone except healthy children, to help protect against illness. Over the past two years, many of you have shared positive feedback on my WordPress platform, reporting that purslane helped during flu-like illnesses, some of which might have been COVID-19 (though not always tested). This matches my own observations in treating patients.
Portulaca in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)
Interestingly, purslane is also used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). During the COVID-19 pandemic, China reported using TCM in 91.5% of cases, claiming over 90% effectiveness. One TCM formula, called Yinma Jiedu Granules, includes purslane along with other herbs like licorice, honeysuckle, rhubarb, and plantain. These herbs work together to reduce inflammation and fight viruses. I was thrilled to see purslane in this formula, as it further supports its role in respiratory health. However, I’ve noted that these TCM claims lack large-scale clinical trials, and mainstream media often overlooks such natural approaches.
Why Isn’t Portulaca More Widely Recognized?
You might wonder why purslane isn’t more widely recommended if it’s so helpful. I believe it’s because the medical world often focuses on treatments backed by big clinical trials, which natural remedies like purslane don’t always have. Large companies and organizations may also prioritize profitable drugs over affordable herbs, which I think is a shame. Despite this, the science behind purslane—its glutathione content, the 2019 study, and its use in TCM—along with my own experience and your feedback, gives me confidence in its value.
My Advice Moving Forward
I continue to recommend purslane as a safe, natural way to support your health, especially during flu season or times of respiratory illness. Here’s a quick recap of how to use it:
For Flu or Illness: Take 30–40 drops of purslane tincture daily, alongside other remedies I’ve suggested (like echinacea or herbal teas). Adjust doses for children based on age, as mentioned earlier.
As a Preventive: During high-risk times, take 30 drops once or twice daily (with echinacea) to boost your immune system, unless you’re a healthy child or pregnant (consult me first if pregnant).
Other Tips: Keep using the simple teas and remedies you know, like tilia and sambucus, and stay consistent with your overall health practices.
I’m grateful for your trust over the years and for the feedback many of you have shared. Let’s keep working together for your health, with G-d’s will, using the best of nature and science.
Stay healthy