For several weeks now, TikTok has been sharing a viral tip that claims to be the answer to higher sleep: lettuce tea. Does it work?
Is lettuce tea the answer to assist us sleep higher? A viral health tip on TikTok claims that this drink is good to induce sleep in a short while. Actually, before becoming a trend, it was already a widely known treatment in popular culture.
In response to its advocates, ingesting this tea about 30 to 40 minutes before going to bed can promote higher sleep quality. Thus, with the hashtag #lettucewater, this preparation has reached greater than 12 million reproductions.
But what does science say, does it work? Well, unlike other remedies trending in TikTok, there are some scientific studies that talk of such effects. Even so, it isn’t a “magic” drink, as some would have you suspect. Let’s take a more in-depth look.
Lettuce tea for higher sleep: what science says
In folk medicine, lettuce tea has been used for many years as a complement for higher sleep. Recently, a video on TikTok reminded us of the infusion, and 1000’s of individuals around the globe decided to try it. In fact, as with other home remedies, opinions on its effects are divided.
While many users claim that it really works, scientific evidence on its efficacy is restricted. On this regard, a study in Food Science Biotechnology reported that some varieties of lettuce extract, especially red romaine lettuce, induce a rise in sleep duration.
Specifically, some phytochemical compounds, resembling lactucin, lactucopicrin, triterpenoids, and saponins were found to have a positive effect in promoting rest. They’re thought to act as natural sedatives, but their mechanism isn’t entirely clear.
Nonetheless, these results have been disputed, not only due to the tactic utilized in the research, but in addition since the test was conducted on mice. To start with, the rodents got a dose of pentobarbital – a sedative – shortly after being given the extract orally.
It wasn’t determined whether this vegetable could actually reduce the time it took the mice to go to sleep. Its purpose was to make a comparison between the sleep-inducing effects of green and red leaf lettuce.
This can be controversial when used to justify the results of lettuce water, because the study used an extract and never a homemade beverage. Moreover, because it was done in mice, it isn’t possible to say the identical effects in humans.
In conclusion, there’s no convincing scientific support.
The properties attributed to lettuce tea, or lettuce water, come largely from popular literature. Nonetheless, it’s a proven fact that this vegetable comprises ingredients with anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antioxidant potential, that are useful to health.
Make sure you read: Lettuce Varieties and The best way to Grow Them
Is there any risk in consuming lettuce water to assist you to sleep?
Although there’s no evidence to prove that lettuce water lets you sleep, the reality is that it’s a harmless drink for many people. Due to this fact, those that want to try it may well achieve this with none problems.
Nonetheless, it should be taken under consideration that it’s a liquid. Consequently, it isn’t a great idea to drink large amounts before going to bed because it may well increase the necessity to go to the lavatory in the midst of the night, which, in itself, will interrupt your sleep.
In fact, as with other vegetables, it ought to be washed and disinfected well before consumption. As well as, it is best to seek the advice of your doctor in case you’re taking medication or if you might have any diagnosed disease. In these special cases, it isn’t at all times advisable to ingest natural remedies.
The best way to prepare lettuce tea?
At this point, it’s value mentioning that the TikTok viral challenge suggests making lettuce tea, or lettuce water, with the iceberg variety. Nonetheless, considering the above-mentioned study, it could be best to make use of romaine lettuce. Regardless of the case, it’s protected to try any of them.
Ingredients
- 3 or 4 leaves of organic romaine lettuce
- Honey and lemon to taste (optional)
- 1 cup of water (250 milliliters)
Preparation and consumption
- To start, place the lettuce leaves in a cup of water and allow them to boil over a low heat for 3 to five minutes.
- Remove them from the warmth, cover the drink and let it steep for 10 minutes.
- After that, strain it through a strainer and devour it.
- Although the suggestion is to drink it 30 to 40 minutes before going to sleep, it’s advisable to do it a minimum of one hour before.
What else are you able to do to sleep higher?
If you ought to try lettuce water for sleep that’s positive. Nonetheless, there are other useful strategies to advertise higher quality sleep – make sure to put them into practice!
- Ensure a clean and cozy environment with a view to ensure a great sleep
- Avoid exposure to annoying lights and noises
- Keep technological devices away from the bedroom, as they’re distracting
- Maintain a healthy and balanced weight loss plan
- Do physical exertion, but avoid doing it shortly before going to bed
- Try relaxing aromatherapy sessions – some fragrances, resembling lavender, may help
- Practice rest techniques resembling yoga, pilates, meditation, or take a hot bath – this helps to cut back tensions that may affect your sleep
- Try to take care of regular sleep schedules
- If you might have insomnia or one other sleep problem, seek the advice of your doctor
Discover more here: Improve Your Sleep Quality with these Healthy Bedtime Habits
What do you have to remember about lettuce tea for sleep?
Despite being a well-liked treatment, there’s no evidence to indicate that lettuce tea or lettuce water is beneficial for higher sleep. It’s vital to drink it moderately, as an excessive amount of can have the alternative effect by increasing nighttime urination. This preparation is mostly protected and has no unwanted side effects. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may go, but researchers aren’t sure. For now, the various testimonials on networks about its efficacy are explained by the placebo effect.
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