Purslane Herb — Classic Formulas
Ma Chi Xian · Herba Portulacae
Primary Actions
- Clears Heat and resolves toxicity — principal herb for hot dysentery and diarrhea
- Cools Blood and stops bleeding — hematochezia, uterine bleeding, hemorrhoids
- Anti-inflammatory for skin disorders — eczema, urticaria, carbuncles, insect bites
- Treats bacterial dysentery and enteritis
Classic Formulas
- Ma Chi Xian Dan (马齿苋单方) — single-herb decoction of fresh purslane for bacillary dysentery; classic folk formula still cited in modern TCM emergency texts
- Combined with Bai Tou Weng (白头翁) and Huang Lian (黄连) in formulas for hot bloody dysentery
Classical Text References
- Ben Cao Gang Mu (Li Shizhen): 'Ma Chi Xian (horse-tooth amaranth, named for the leaf shape) cools blood, clears heat, resolves sores, treats dysentery and diarrhea, expels toxicity, and eliminates carbuncles — it is an herb of longevity if eaten regularly'
- Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing: documents Ma Chi Xian for treating cardiac pain and removing evil Qi — later commentaries clarified the cardiac reference as a metaphor for reducing excessive Heat from the Heart channel