Portulaca oleracea (Portulaca oleracea)

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Other names: portcullis, common ragwort, Ma chi Xian

The cabbage shrub, also known by the names portcullis or common shrub, is an annual plant belonging to the shrub family. It is native to Asia, but is now widespread almost all over the world. Its Latin name 'Portulaca oleracea' means 'garden purslane' and in Chinese it is called 'Ma chi Xian'. In the Czech Republic, it is also often referred to as 'chocholoušek'. It has fleshy, pinkish stems and small, elliptical leaves. The flowers are small, with yellow petals.

Although often considered a weed, the cabbage shrub is actually a very useful and nutritionally rich plant. It can be eaten fresh in salads or added to soups, sauces and various types of dishes. It can also be dried and used as an herb. In traditional Chinese medicine, it is used as a medicinal herb to treat inflammation, headaches or stomach problems. It is rich in vitamin C, vitamin A, minerals such as potassium, magnesium and iron, and also contains omega-3 fatty acids. The cabbage shrub is also used in cosmetics, not only for its moisturizing and soothing properties, but also for its antioxidant properties, which help slow the aging process of the skin.