Lettuce

상추 (萵苣) · Lactuca sativa L.

Sinew-strengthening food herb Cool (some sources: cold) Bitter Liver, Stomach

NatureCool (some sources: cold)

TasteBitter

MeridiansLiver, Stomach

Part usedLeaf

FamilyAsteraceae

CategorySinew-strengthening food herb

Overview

Lettuce is the wrap-leaf behind Korean ssam culture today, and the Donguibogam records a benefit still relevant for evening meals — it settles the mind and reduces the need for sleep — alongside strengthening the sinews and bones and unblocking chest congestion.

In the Donguibogam

東醫
寶鑑

性冷一云寒, 味苦, 微毒. 主補筋骨, 利五藏, 開胸膈壅氣, 通經脉. 令人齒白聰明少睡, 療蛇咬.

Source: Donguibogam, Tangaek-pyeon (Herbology volume)

TranslationIts nature is cool (some say cold), its taste bitter, and it has mild toxicity. It mainly tonifies the sinews and bones, benefits the five viscera, opens congested qi in the chest and diaphragm, and unblocks the meridians. It whitens the teeth, sharpens the mind, reduces the need for sleep, and treats snake bites.

Traditional functions

Strengthens sinews and bones
Opens chest congestion
Sharpens the mind
Reduces excessive sleepiness

Traditional applications

Chest tightness or congestion
Mental fogginess
General sinew and bone support

Traditional preparation

Eaten fresh as a wrap leaf or salad; the white-haired variety (baekgeo) is noted as functionally identical.

Cautions

Caution: The Donguibogam notes it can make a cold-constituted stomach feel colder, though without serious harm. Generally a mild leafy vegetable. Consult a professional for concentrated use.

Frequently asked questions

Does lettuce really help with sleep, according to the classics?

The Donguibogam records that lettuce sharpens the mind and reduces the need for sleep — the opposite of lettuce's modern folk reputation as sleep-inducing, worth noting as a historical record rather than a health claim.

What else was lettuce used for traditionally?

Strengthening the sinews and bones, benefiting the five viscera, and opening congested qi in the chest — alongside a specific classical mention of treating snake bites.

Sources

동의보감 탕액편 (원문) — 한문 원문 발췌 — 한의학고전DB 탕액편 대조 검증 완료 (DATA-001)
한의학고전DB (mediclassics.kr) — 국역 참조 후 자체 재서술 (LEGAL-001)

DonguiHub is an educational and informational platform about the history and tradition of Korean medicine. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional about health conditions and before using any herb.