His life was gentle, and the elements so mix’d in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world “This was a man!” – Julius Caesar, Act V, Scene V, by William Shakespeare.
When these lines were spoken, Mark Anthony was referring to Brutus.
Whenever I reflect on these lines, “silent doctor” pussley comes into focus because they genuinely describe pussley.
Pussley, or Portulaca oleraceais, known worldwide as purslane, is gentle.
Its herbal elements are not only mixed but healing. Readers who develop a healing relationship with pussley will someday stand up and say to the world, “This is a ‘master herb!”
Pussley grows in abundance in St John and St George and readers who have located it should add it to their kitchen gardens.
Writing for the University of Illinois Extension in an article titled Puslane – Weed It Or Eat It? Mason (2003) posits: “With purslane aficionados, the preference is in eating fresh young plants . . . the taste is similar to watercress or spinach. Use purslane in salads or on sandwiches instead of lettuce or pickles.”
Additionally, it can be used in ice creams, smoothies and other nutritious beverages and dishes.
Pussley contains vitamins A, B, C, E and other anti-oxidants. It is an excellent source of omega-three fatty acids. It also contains magnesium, calcium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, silicon, manganese, chromium, zinc, carbohydrates, protein, folate, sodium, calcium, pyridoxine, selenium and copper.
Along with the health challenges listed last week, pussley can be used for mastitis (inflammation of the breast), Parkinson’s disease, haemorrhoids, burning discomfort in hands and feet, tumours, swelling, gout, most skin diseases, kidney, liver, urinary bladder and lung problems, intestinal worms, snake bite, earache and toothache.
It can also treat eye inflammation and scorpion stings. It promotes menses and can have diuretic properties – in short, pussley is enchanting, so help to save it.
As we prepare to close the door on Crop Over 2011 in Barbados, it is imperative to remember that this festival is based on history and heritage.
“Silent doctors” are also part of our heritage and history. Like the festivals, they deserve to be nationally recognized and celebrated.