HEALING HERBS – Lettuce a sleep, sex enhancer

“GO TO the ant, thou sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise . . . how long wilt thou sleep, O sluggard? When wilt thou arise out of thy sleep?” This ancient Proverb urges us to awake to our true conscious potential. Through the Creator I urge you to become more conscious about the beneficial usage of the multiplicity of healing “silent doctors” that occupy our shores. Additionally, I have heard that a lack of good sleep and sex is causing many people to be unhappy. This was partly confirmed in the Sunday Sun newspaper, dated 2010-05-27 that “investigation revealed that many people are purchasing DM and codeine-laced syrups to help them fight insomnia and depression”.“Silent doctor” lettuce is reputed to be a sleep and sex enhancer in some cultures. Today, I thank our farmers for providing us with healthy and lust green Barbadian grown lettuce.Research shows that before 4 500 B.C, evidence of lettuce or Lactuca sativa appeared in Africa in the Egyptian tomb paintings. Egyptians may have felt that lettuce increased sexual prowess.  Lorenzi (2005) later claimed that “the ancient Egyptians used lettuce as an aphrodisiac”.Thus, evidence of this authentic wisdom pertaining to preventive and medicinal purposes about the usage of lettuce and other herbs were ingrained in our Barbadian African ancestors. We are blessed.Likewise, lettuce is an excellent source of chlorophyll, fibre, some vitamins and minerals. It is low in calories. Weight lost candidates should consume salads and juices comprising of mainly lettuce. It is also a good source of iron. Additionally, lettuce contains a sleep inducing substance which can treat insomnia. Insomnia is the inability to get to sleep. The bitter, milky latex sap (lactucarium) is a mild narcotic and sleep inducer. Friends Forums LLC (2010) posit that “lettuce is beneficial in the treatment of insomnia as it contains a sleep inducing substance called lectucarium. Lettuce juice has been likened in effect to the sedative action of opium without the accompanying excitement. They further postulated that according to Culpepper, the ancient English herbalist, the juice of lettuce mixed with oil of roses, applied to the forehead and temples induces sleep and eases headaches. Additionally, the magnesium in lettuce is good for our brains, nerves and muscular tissues. Lettuce is used in some cultures to treat anxiety, neuroses, hyperactivity in children, stress, acid indigestion, anaemia, arthritis, catarrh, circulatory problems, colitis, constipation, cough, diabetes, gastritis, gout, irritable bowel, obesity, tuberculosis, ulcers and urinary tract diseases. The white sap can be applied on warts. Furthermore, it is a diuretic – it elevates the rate of urination and in some cultures mothers bathe their babies with lettuce water to beat insomnia. In conclusion, Barbadians should find or create a space on their property and grow some lettuce. Lettuce is an ancient “silent doctor” capable of effective healing, thus minimising health challenges. I advise, find quiet time and do your research, thus unlocking the herbal knowledge ingrained in you. Annette Maynard-Watson, a teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at [email protected] or telephone 250-6450.DISCLAIMER: It is not our intention to prescribe or make specific health claims for any products. Any attempt to diagnose and treat real illness should come under the direction of your health care professional.