Miner’s Lettuce (Montia perfoliata)

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Botanical Information

• Family: Portulacaceae
• Common Names: Miner’s Lettuce, Indian Lettuce, Winter Purslane
• Parts Used: Leaves, stems, flowers

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Description

Montia perfoliata is a nutritious, edible wild green native to North America. Traditionally consumed for its high vitamin and mineral content, miner’s lettuce has been used for its cooling, anti-inflammatory, and digestive-supporting properties. It is commonly eaten fresh in salads or prepared as an herbal infusion.

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Historical and Traditional Uses

• Consumed by early settlers and Indigenous peoples as a nutrient-dense food source.
• Used in folk medicine to cool inflammation and support digestion.
• Applied externally as a poultice for minor skin irritations and burns.
• Traditionally used as a gentle diuretic and detoxifying herb.

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Constituents

• Vitamin C
• Beta-carotene
• Iron
• Flavonoids
• Mucilage

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Actions

• Nutritive
• Anti-inflammatory
• Mild diuretic
• Cooling
• Detoxifying

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Medicinal Uses

1. Nutritional Support:
Rich in vitamins and minerals, miner’s lettuce is an excellent natural source of vitamin C and iron.

2. Anti-Inflammatory and Cooling:
Used to soothe internal and external inflammation, including mild skin irritations.

3. Digestive Aid:
Acts as a gentle detoxifier, supporting digestion and elimination.

4. Urinary and Kidney Support:
Mildly diuretic, promoting urinary tract health and fluid balance.

5. Skin Health and Healing:
Applied as a poultice to minor wounds, insect bites, and burns.

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Preparation and Dosage

Infusion (Tea):

• 1-2 tsp of fresh or dried leaves per cup of hot water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Drink up to twice daily.

Fresh Use (Salads & Food):

• Eaten raw in salads or lightly steamed for nutritional benefits.

Poultice (Topical Use):

• Crushed fresh leaves applied to skin irritations or wounds.

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Precautions and Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Safe in food amounts; medicinal use should be guided by a practitioner.
• Oxalates: Contains some oxalates; individuals prone to kidney stones should consume in moderation.
• Allergic Reactions: Rare but possible; discontinue use if irritation occurs.

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Energetics (Traditional Medicine Perspectives)

• Traditional Western Herbalism: Cooling and moistening; supports digestion and detoxification.
• Indigenous North American Uses: Valued as a spring tonic and nutritious wild green.
• Ayurveda: Primarily balances Pitta and Vata, but excessive use may increase Kapha.

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Combinations

• For Nutritional Support: Combine with nettle and dandelion.
• For Digestive Detox: Combine with burdock and cleavers.
• For Skin Healing: Combine with calendula and plantain.

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Harvesting and Storage

• Harvesting: Young leaves are gathered in early spring before flowering.
• Drying: Air dry in a shaded, well-ventilated area for later use.
• Storage: Store dried plant material in airtight containers away from moisture and light.

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Modern Research

Studies confirm Montia perfoliata’s high nutritional value and its traditional uses for inflammation and detoxification.

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Miner’s Lettuce remains a valuable herb in both traditional and modern herbal medicine, particularly for its nutritive, cooling, and detoxifying properties.