Leafy, Green Lettuce Possesses Many Surprising Medicinal Properties

Garden lettuce is a selected form of the bitter-leafed wild species cactuca serriola, which is found throughout Europe, Asia and North Africa. Ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to cultivate lettuce. Examples of tomb wall paintings depicted a form of Cos lettuce, which is said to have originated on the Greek Island of the same name. The Egyptians believed lettuce was an aphrodisiac and also used its white sap and leaves in a concoction alongside fresh beef, frankincense and juniper berries as a remedy for stomach ache.

The ancient Romans attributed medicinal properties to the lettuce. Emperor Augustus erected an altar and statue in its honor believing lettuce upheld morals, temperance and chastity. Romans were said to have introduced lettuce to Britain with their conquering armies and even after many centuries it is still regarded as the foundation of a good salad.

There are dozens of varieties of lettuce available in many grocery stores the better known being Arugula, Belgian Endive, Butter Head, Chicory and Escarole, Iceberg, Loose Leaf, Lamb’s Lettuce, Romaine, and Watercress.

Low in calories, lettuce in salads in the preferred option for dieters. Some varieties of lettuce are high in beta carotene, folate, vitamin C, calcium and potassium. Dieters need to be cautious when opting for lettuce-laden salads as they are often served with large amounts of oily and high fat creamy dressings.

There are many surprising medicinal benefits associated with eating lettuce including:

•      Lettuce can be used as a sedative and narcotic;
•          Lettuce soup is effective in treating nervous tension and insomnia;
•          Lettuce sap dissolved in wine is said to be a good painkiller;
•          Lettuce soothes inflammation - lotions for the treatment of sunburn and rough skin are made from its extracts;
•          Lettuce  is also used as a poultice on bruises or taken internally for stomach ulcers and for irritable bowl syndrome;
•          Lettuce is also used as an antispasmodic and can be used to soothe coughs and bronchial problems and also reported to cool the ardor.

The oft-used reference of lettuce to mean cash started in the 1920’s and is inferred from its green color.