Lettuce and Its legend.
Article Content:
- .Basic Botanical Data of Lettuce.
- .Brief Description of Lettuce.
- .Lettuce history in ancient world.
- .Modern lettuce types class.
- .Edible Uses and Nutritional compositions.
- .Medicinal Uses Disclaimer.
- .Other reactions and Uses.
- .Research Update:Lettuce or Lactuca sativa.
Medicinal Uses Disclaimer.
Anaphrodisiac; Anodyne; Antispasmodic; Carminative; Diuretic; Emollient; Expectorant; Febrifuge; Galactogogue; Hypnotic; Hypoglycaemic; Narcotic; Parasiticide; Sedative.
The whole plant is rich in a milky sap that flows freely from any wounds. This hardens and dries when in contact with the air. The sap contains 'lactucarium', which is used in medicine for its anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic and sedative properties. Lactucarium has the effects of a feeble opium, but without its tendency to cause digestive upsets, nor is it addictive. It is taken internally in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, neuroses, hyperactivity in children, dry coughs, whooping cough, rheumatic pain etc. Concentrations of lactucarium are low in young plants and most concentrated when the plant comes into flower.. It is collected commercially by cutting the heads of the plants and scraping the juice into china vessels several times a day until the plant is exhausted. The cultivated lettuce does not contain as much lactucarium as the wild species, most being produced when the plant is in flower.
An infusion of the fresh or dried flowering plant can also be used.
The plant should be used with caution, and never without the supervision of a skilled practitioner. Even normal doses can cause drowsiness whilst excess causes restlessness and overdoses can cause death through cardiac paralysis.
Some physicians believe that any effects of this medicine are caused by the mind of the patient rather than by the medicine.
The sap has also been applied externally in the treatment of warts.
The seed is anodyne and galactogogue.
Lettuce has acquired a folk reputation as an anaphrodisiac, anodyne, carminative, diuretic, emollient, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic, hypnotic, narcotic, parasiticide and sedative.
Clinical Experience of Lettuce:
IgE-mediated reactions
Lettuce may induce symptoms of food allergy, in particular Oral Allergy Syndrome, in sensitised individuals. Although some authors report that allergy reactions to Lettuce are uncommon, a study concluded that Lettuce and Carrot can account for clinically significant IgE-mediated allergic reactions, manifested by nasal obstruction. This finding is supported by a Mexican study, in which, among 1,419 allergic patients aged between 1 year and 18 years, 442 (31%) had positive skin prick test (SPT) to some 33 tested foods. Fish, milk, seafood, beans, Orange, Onion, Tomato, Chicken, nut, Lettuce and Strawberry were responsible for 58% of the total of allergic reactions. Of those, Fish, milk, seafood, Soy and Orange (39%) had the highest frequency.
However, IgE antibodies may be found in asymptomatic patients. Skin-sensitising allergens have been identified, but reactions do not appear to be IgE-mediated.
Food-dependent exercise-induced anaphylaxis has been reported.
Generalised, pruritic, papular and erythematous eruption, associated with facial and lingual oedema with a tight throat, due to Lettuce, has been documented in a patient.
Greenhouse workers and gardeners are at risk of Compositae-related allergy to Chrysanthemum (Dendranthema), Marguerite Daisy (Argyranthemum frutescens) and Lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Furthermore, Compositae dermatitis has been reported to be aggravated by eating Lettuce.
nbsp;Unsuspected Lettuce allergy in a patient with delayed metal allergy has been reported.
Reference:
1.Lettuce and Its legend.
Statistics
Spectrum
FAQ
Of Herbs