Discover Purple Heart Leaves: The Vibrant Plant Behind This Soothing Herbal Tea
Maya ChenYou’ve probably seen it—those dramatic, deep purple leaves spilling from hanging baskets or trailing along garden beds. Often grown as an ornamental plant, Purple Heart (Tradescantia pallida) is more than just a pretty face.
In traditional folk medicine—particularly in Mexico and the Caribbean—its leaves have been brewed into a gentle herbal tea believed to support wellness, calm inflammation, and soothe everyday discomforts.
But before you rush to steep your houseplant, there’s important information you need to know.
What Is Purple Heart?
Botanical name: Tradescantia pallida
Also called: Purple Queen, Wandering Jew (though this term is increasingly avoided)
Appearance: Fleshy, lance-shaped leaves in rich violet-purple; pink flowers in summer
Common use: Ornamental ground cover or container plant (hardy in zones 9–11)
🌿 Traditional use: In parts of Central America, a mild tea made from fresh leaves has been used for minor respiratory irritation, digestive upset, and as a general anti-inflammatory tonic.
The Science Behind the Hype
Purple Heart’s vibrant color comes from anthocyanins—powerful antioxidants also found in blueberries, red cabbage, and black rice. These compounds are known to: