Horse Purslane (Varshabhu)

Horse purslane is a fleshy, spreading herb of the ice plant family that grows in warm regions worldwide, including fields, roadsides and wasteland throughout India. It has smooth, rounded leaves in unequal pairs and small pink flowers hidden at the leaf joints.

Under the name Varshabhu, its white and red forms are described in classical Ayurvedic texts and used in traditional preparations that support water balance and general wellbeing. The young leaves are also eaten as a vegetable in some regions. The whole plant is the part used.