Lettuce Seed Porridge

Compendium of Materia Medica

[Porridge Composition] 10-15 grams of Lactucae Semen (or an appropriate amount of lettuce), 3-5 grams of Radix Glycyrrhizae (raw), 2 liang of glutinous rice or japonica rice.

[Indications and Effects] Tonify the Spleen and stomach, promote lactation. Suitable for postpartum women with physical deficiency and scanty lactation, or blocked lactation.

[Boiling Method] First crush the lettuce seeds, decoct them together with licorice to obtain the juice, remove the dregs, then add rice to cook into a thin porridge.

[Explanation of Porridge Ingredient] Lettuce is a commonly consumed food. It is said that this plant originated from the State of Wo, hence the name wo ju (lettuce). It is referred to as “Qianjin Vegetable” in Qing Yi Lu and commonly called “wo ji” by the masses. It belongs to the Lactuca genus of the Asteraceae family and is cultivated in most regions of China. According to traditional Chinese medicine texts, the stems, leaves, and seeds of lettuce all have medicinal value, making it both a food and a medicinal herb.

Both lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) and its seeds have diuretic and galactagogue effects. Ri Yong Ben Cao states that lettuce “benefits the five viscera, strengthens tendons and bones, clears heat from the diaphragm, unblocks meridians, eliminates bad breath, whitens teeth, and improves eyesight.” Compendium of Materia Medica records that lettuce seeds “promote lactation, facilitate urination, supports scrotal swelling, hemorrhoids with bleeding, and pain from injuries.” It also includes a prescription: “For insufficient lactation, take one handful of lettuce seeds, three qian of raw licorice root (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.), and half a handful each of glutinous rice and millet. Cook into porridge and consume frequently.” Since lettuce has a slightly bitter taste, licorice is added to correct the flavor, while cooking with rice enhances the formula’s ability to fortify the Spleen and stomach while promoting lactation. For postpartum women with low milk supply, in addition to pig’s trotter porridge, this prescription may also be selected. If lettuce seeds are unavailable, lettuce itself can be substituted.

[Precautions] For lactagogue effect, lactuca seed congee should be taken for a course of 3 to 5 days, twice a day.

[Reference Materials]

[Porridge Recipes · Porridge Varieties II · Vegetables]: “Lettuce Porridge: Clears the stomach, unblocks the meridians, promotes lactation. For insufficient lactation, use seeds along with equal parts glutinous rice and japonica rice to make porridge and consume it frequently.”

Q1: what is lettuce seed porridge in traditional chinese medicine

A1: In traditional Chinese medicine, lettuce seed porridge is a therapeutic congee made from Lactucae Semen (lettuce seeds), raw Radix Glycyrrhizae (licorice root), and glutinous or japonica rice. It is primarily indicated for tonifying the Spleen and stomach and promoting lactation, as recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica.

Q2: how to make lettuce seed porridge from compendium of materia medica

A2: To make lettuce seed porridge according to the Compendium of Materia Medica, first crush 10-15 grams of lettuce seeds. Decoct them together with 3-5 grams of raw licorice root in water to obtain the juice, then remove the dregs. Cook 2 liang (approximately 30 grams) of glutinous or japonica rice in this juice until it becomes a thick porridge.

Q3: benefits of lettuce seed porridge for sleep

A3: Lettuce seed porridge is traditionally valued for its calming properties, which can support restful sleep. While its primary indication in the Compendium of Materia Medica is for postpartum lactation, the mild sedative effect of lettuce seeds is believed to help relax the mind and improve sleep quality, making it a gentle remedy for occasional sleeplessness.

Q4: can lettuce seed porridge help with insomnia

A4: Yes, lettuce seed porridge may help with insomnia due to the soothing properties of Lactucae Semen, which are considered to calm the spirit in traditional Chinese medicine. Although its classic use is for promoting lactation after childbirth, its mild sedative action can support better sleep, particularly when insomnia is linked to digestive weakness or restlessness.

Q5: what are the indications for lettuce seed porridge in traditional chinese medicine

A5: In traditional Chinese medicine, lettuce seed porridge is indicated for postpartum women with physical deficiency and scanty lactation, or those experiencing blocked lactation. It acts by tonifying the Spleen and stomach, thereby supporting energy and milk production, as recorded in the Compendium of Materia Medica.

Q6: how much lettuce seed is needed for the porridge

A6: The recommended amount of lettuce seeds for the porridge, as per the Compendium of Materia Medica, is 10-15 grams. This is crushed and decocted with 3-5 grams of raw licorice root to produce the liquid base for cooking the rice.