Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) is a member of the Asteraceae family, native to Mediterranean Region, Middle East, and Southern Europe. Traditionally, its leaves, stems, and seeds have been used for culinary uses, infusions, and decoctions.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and sedative actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and traditional chinese medicine.

Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Lettuce (Lactuca sativa) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Lettuce
Scientific Name	Lactuca sativa
Plant Family	Asteraceae
Genus	Lactuca
Species	sativa
Native Range	Mediterranean Region, Middle East, Southern Europe
Plant Parts Used	Leaves, Stems, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Sedative
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Culinary Use, Infusion, Decoction

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Lactuca sativa
Common Name: Lettuce
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Iceberg Lettuce, Romaine Lettuce, Iceberg Lettuce
Plant Family: Asteraceae
Genus: Lactuca

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Annual herbaceous plant.
Height: Typical height ranges from 20 to 100 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface glaucous green and lower surface pale green, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary flowers with actinomorphic symmetry, yellow petals arranged in a single whorl, and a central disk of green tubular structures.
Stems: Cylindrical, hollow, ribbed, and typically erect, the stems are usually terete, with a smooth surface and a central vascular bundle.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Culinary Use
Infusion
Decoction
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a gentle bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Anti-inflammatory: Historically regarded as a calming anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Sedative: Traditionally described as a soothing sedative, in stress-related herbal practices.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a mild antispasmodic, for cramp-focused discussions.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: Simple phenolic molecules widely distributed across plant tissues.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: General precautions have been noted regarding the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Allergic reactions have been reported, particularly in individuals sensitive to related plant families.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Plant material is steeped in hot water to extract water-soluble compounds.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Plant parts are crushed or moistened and placed directly on the body.
Culinary Use: Plant material is incorporated into food or beverages for flavor or aroma.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates moderate moisture fluctuations.