Evidence supporting the use of: Portulaca
For the health condition: Ear Infection or Earache
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Portulaca (commonly known as purslane) has a history of use in traditional medicine systems for a variety of ailments, including inflammation and infections. In some cultures, especially in parts of Asia and Africa, portulaca has been used topically or as part of herbal remedies for earache or mild ear infections. The traditional rationale is based on its purported anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, as described in ethnobotanical records.
However, there is very limited scientific research specifically evaluating portulaca for ear infections or earache. A few laboratory studies have demonstrated that portulaca extracts possess general antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities, but these studies have not directly addressed its effectiveness for ear conditions, nor have they been corroborated by clinical trials in humans for this indication. No major pharmacological or clinical studies have been conducted to specifically assess portulaca’s efficacy or safety for treating ear infections.
In summary, while there is some traditional use of portulaca for earache in folk medicine, the evidence supporting its effectiveness is weak and primarily anecdotal. The current scientific literature does not provide substantial validation for its use in this context, and its evidence rating is low.
Other ingredients used for Ear Infection or Earache
myrobalanbetel
blackberry
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
forsythia
garlic bulb
ginger
goldenseal
onion
Indian tinospora
mustard seed
oregano
plantain
rosemary
schizonepeta
sphaeranthus indicus
thyme
xylitol
mullein
xanthium (cockleburs)
gastrodia
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
myrrh
sweet flag
sweetgums
morinda
zanthoxylum
eucalyptus
paw paw
melaleuca alternifolia
indigo leaves
geranium
Achyranthes
Anamu
Alchornea
Asafoetida
Aerva lanata
Alsonia scholaris
Asteracea
Abuta
Amor seco
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bombax
Bergenia
Borneol
Coconut
Calendula
Cinnamomum
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Centipeda
Calamus
Costus
Celosia
Didymocarpus
DIVI-DIVI
Devil's Club
Erodium cicutarium
Elephant's Head
Euphorbia
Eugenol
Goldthread
Garlic
Little ironweed
Mallow
Poppy
Vervain
Other health conditions supported by portulaca
Abdominal PainAcid Indigestion
Anemia
Appetite (deficient)
Arthritis
Asthma
Bites and Stings
Bleeding (external)
Bronchitis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Canker Sores
Cardiovascular Disease
Chest Pain
Colds (general)
Colic (children)
Constipation (adults)
Cuts
Diabetes
Diarrhea
Digestion (poor)
Dyspepsia
Ear Infection or Earache
Eczema
Fatigue
Fever
Gall Stones
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Gingivitis
Hair Care (general)
Headache (general)
Hemorrhoids
Hepatitis
Infection
Inflammation
Insomnia
Irritable Bowel Syndrome