Purslane
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
寶鑑
Traditional uses recorded in the Donguibogam
- Clears heat, resolves toxin
- Promotes urination and bowel movement
- Breaks up hardened masses
- Expels parasites
Traditional applications recorded in the classical text
- Boils and malign sores
- Difficult urination or bowel movement
- Abdominal masses
- Parasitic conditions
Traditional preparation
The dried leaf is used, or eaten as a blanched wild vegetable.
This describes traditional preparation recorded in the classics, not a recommendation for use today. DonguiHub does not provide dosage guidance — consult a qualified professional before using any herb.
Cautions
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, 허준, 1613 (원문) — 한문 원문
- 한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 원문 및 국역 자료 참조