Growing up to 30-100 cm, lettuces are biennial herbaceous non-pilose plants having
white milk and yellow flowers. Cultivated forms and various species of lettuces have
been produced for a long time. They are also known as farm lettuces. Lettuces are
annual or six-month vegetables of mild climate with broad leaves. While the leaves of
lettuces are generally consumed as salads without being cooked, the leaves and roots
of lettuces are consumed after being cooked in some countries such as China. As
lettuces contain a milky juice, their name derives from the Latin word lactis (milk).
They have many species. Containing vitamin A and C, lettuces and salads are annual
plants of cool climate. Their growth period generally lasts for 2 or 3 months. With
different species of lettuces being adapted to different seasons in open or closed
environments, lettuces can be cultivated during 12 months of a year in a row.
Cultivation and consumption of oily headed lettuces and curly headed lettuces in
Turkey have added new species recently.

Lettuces can ease the nerves decreasing the tension. With its tranquilizing effect,
lettuces are good for those who have insomnia. They can also stabilize menstruation
and decrease the pain of menstruation. Lettuces have appetitive effect and simplify
digestion. Not only are lettuces diuretic, but they can also treat constipation.
Moreover, lettuces can help the body to throw the harmful substances out of the
system. They also have therapeutic effects against spleen and liver failures and
jaundice. Lettuces decrease the complaints of hemorrhoids. Smoothing the chest, they
are good in ending cough. Lettuces have expectorant effect. Not only can lettuces
decrease the excessive virility, but they can also increase the breast milk.
Furthermore, lettuces are good for osteolysis and rheumatism. Decreasing the glucose
level in the blood, lettuces are good for diabetics. As for the children in the
growth era,