Lettuce is recognized for being the star of many salads, but one of the less widespread properties is that of reconciling sleep, thanks to a substance it contains called lactucarium whose effect is relaxing . Have a cup of lettuce tea before bed to check its potential.
This infusion will act on the nervous system, reducing the level of stress and anxiety , so you can also drink it during the day to calm your nerves. But we warn you, there is a maximum of two cups that you can drink a day, remember that no treatment is recommended in excess.
How to prepare lettuce tea
Ingredients
4 leaves of lettuce. Our recommendation is that you use Roman, as it is the one that contains the highest concentration of nutrients. Here you can verify which are the existing types , although it is not convenient to use the iceberg, which is shaped like cabbage, because it stores reduced vitamins and minerals.
2 cups of water.
Preparation
Clean the lettuce very well and leave it soaking for 15 minutes in water with lemon (or vinegar) to disinfect . Chop it into small pieces.
Bring the water to a boil and when it reaches the boiling point, add the chopped lettuce. Let it continue to boil for 10 minutes, then turn off the heat.
Let the tea steep for 5 minutes before drinking. Some people take it between 1 hour and 30 minutes before bed.
It is not recommended to add sweeteners , it is best to obtain its benefits in its pure state.
5 benefits of lettuce tea
1. Relax and fight insomnia
As we explained at the beginning, lettuce has a whitish liquid called lactucarium that has a relaxing effect on the nervous system, helping to combat insomnia .
It also has magnesium in its composition, which controls the stress hormone called cortisol, thus reducing levels of anxiety and nervousness . Specifically, romaine lettuce, much more nutritious than other varieties, has lactucin that helps control episodes of anxiety and help you fall asleep.
Lettuce tea will help you sleep if you take it just before going to bed , but if you do not have a palate to withstand infusions, there is the option of adding lettuce leaf water to your bath ritual, which although not ingested can act subtly to relax.
2. It is analgesic
The same substances that make lettuce a relaxant give it analgesic properties to reduce certain ailments. In the tea, the substances are concentrated and then are absorbed by the body, to calm headaches, menstrual pain, stomach pain or those that result from a blow .
3. Fight aging
Thanks to the fact that it contains flavonoids, lettuce tea is a way to cut the oxidative effects of free radicals on cells, that is, it will prevent premature aging . It is not the key to youth, but together with a balanced diet and exercise, it will be useful to keep you young and active.
4. Promotes digestive functions
Even in infusion, lettuce provides fiber that helps fulfill digestive functions, prevents constipation and controls flatulence . In addition to tea, you can enhance these effects if you consume it in a salad with other foods such as cucumber, cauliflower, arugula or broccoli.
5. It is diuretic
One of the best known benefits of this infusion is that it cleanses the body thanks to its diuretic properties. In fact, it is widely used to treat cystitis and combat obesity .
People with diabetes often use lettuce in tea or other preparations, as it removes toxins and reduces blood sugar , apart from being low in calories, only 15 calories per 100 grams.
Who can’t drink lettuce tea?
Pregnant: Consult your doctor before taking this or any other infusion if you are pregnant.
People under treatment with diuretics: Tea has diuretic properties so it could exacerbate the effect of medications, causing a potassium deficiency.
Those who suffer from irritable bowel cannot overdo this tea, as it can cause bloating.
