How to read lettuce: wōsǔn.

Extended Knowledge:

1, Morphological Characteristics

Lettuce is an annual or biennial herb, 25-100 cm tall. The roots are vertically straight. Stem erect, solitary, upper panicle branched, all stem branches white. Basal and lower stem leaves large, undivided, oblanceolate, elliptic or elliptic-oblanceolate, 6-15 centimeters long, 1.5-6.5 centimeters wide, acute, shortly acuminate or rounded at the tip, sessile, base cordate or sagittate semiclasping.

Margin undulate or serrulate, tapering upward, homomorphic or lanceolate with basal and lower stem leaves, leaves on lower panicle branches and on panicle branches very small, ovate-cordate, sessile, base cordate or sagittate-amplexicaul, margin entire, all leaves glabrous on both sides. Heads numerous or very numerous, arranged in panicles at the tips of the stem branches.

2. Survival environment

Lettuce is sensitive to the acidity and alkalinity of the soil, and is suitable for planting in slightly acidic soil. Lettuce's root system is shallow, weak absorption capacity, high oxygen requirements, planting lettuce soil to sandy loam, loam soil is preferred.

3, the main value

1) open and ease, eliminate accumulation of gas: lettuce taste fresh and slightly bitter, can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes, enhance appetite. Its milky pulp can enhance the secretion of gastric juice, digestive glands and bile secretion, thus promoting the function of various digestive organs, especially beneficial to patients with weakened digestive function, reduced acidity in the digestive tract and constipation.

2) diuretic breast: lettuce potassium content is much higher than the sodium content, is conducive to the body's water-electrolyte balance, promote urination and milk secretion. For high blood pressure, edema, heart disease has a certain therapeutic effect.

3) strong body, cancer prevention and anti-cancer: lettuce contains a variety of vitamins and minerals, has the role of regulating the function of the nervous system, which contains organic chemical content is rich in human absorption of iron, iron deficiency anemia patients are very favorable. The hot water extract of lettuce has a high inhibition rate of certain cancer cells, so it can be used to prevent and fight cancer.

4) wide bowel laxative: lettuce contains a large amount of plant fiber, can promote peristalsis of the intestinal wall, fluent digestive tract, to help the excretion of stool, can be used for the treatment of various constipation.

5) Lettuce contains a high amount of potassium, is conducive to promoting urination, reduce the pressure on the atrium, high blood pressure and heart disease patients is extremely beneficial. It contains a small amount of iodine, which has a significant impact on the basic metabolism, mental and physical development and even emotional regulation. Therefore, lettuce has a calming effect, regular consumption helps to eliminate tension and help sleep.