Purslane
쇠비름 (馬齒莧) · Portulaca oleracea L.
Heat-clearing, detoxifying herb
Cold
Sour
Liver, Large Intestine
NatureCold
TasteSour
MeridiansLiver, Large Intestine
Part usedLeaf
FamilyPortulacaceae
CategoryHeat-clearing, detoxifying herb
Find by concern: Boils
Overview
Purslane's old alternate name, "five-element grass," comes from a small piece of natural poetry the Donguibogam records: its leaves are green, stem red, flowers yellow, root white, and seeds black — one plant touching all five classical colors at once.
In the Donguibogam
東醫
寶鑑
寶鑑
性寒, 味酸, 無毒. 主諸腫惡瘡. 利大小便, 破癥結. 療金瘡內漏, 止渴, 殺諸蟲.
Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)
TranslationIts nature is cold, its taste sour, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats all manner of swelling and malign sores. It benefits urination and bowel movement, and breaks up hardened masses. It heals internal bleeding from metal wounds, stops thirst, and kills all manner of parasites.
Traditional functions
- Clears heat, resolves toxin
- Promotes urination and bowel movement
- Breaks up hardened masses
- Expels parasites
Traditional applications
- Boils and malign sores
- Difficult urination or bowel movement
- Abdominal masses
- Parasitic conditions
Traditional preparation
Decoction 8–20g of the dried leaf, or eaten as a blanched wild vegetable.
Cautions
Caution: Cold in nature; not suited to those with cold-deficiency diarrhea or during pregnancy without professional guidance. Consult a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Why is purslane called "five-element grass"?
The Donguibogam explains it directly: the leaves are green, stem red, flowers yellow, root white, and seeds black — touching all five classical colors in one plant.
What is purslane's main traditional use?
Clearing heat and resolving toxin — the Donguibogam highlights boils and malign sores, alongside promoting urination and countering parasites.
Sources
- 동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)
DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.