- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (West), Europe (South)
Asia · Food · № 258
Lactuca sativa
Food · Asia
Lettuce
Lactuca sativa
A juicy leaf vegetable with some vitamin K and folate. The milky sap of the stem is mildly calming, but much weaker than that of wild lettuce.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
No specific preparation described.
Use in traditions
In herbal magic associated with fertility, peace, harmony, protection. In ancient Egypt the upright, milky lettuce was sacred to the fertility god Min. The Romans ate lettuce at the end of the meal in order to sleep.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Folklore and herbal magic
Symbolic meanings from folk use and modern herbal magic. These are handed-down associations, not effects.
Fertility, peace, harmony, protection.
Home, kitchen and folk use
Attributed effects
Lettuce was eaten in the evening to help sleep; the cool leaf was laid on inflamed skin and burns.
Preparation and amount
Fresh in salad; the leaf chilled as a compress.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Compress, poultice and pastePowder and kitchen