The salad ingredient with a sedative effect

Health & FitnessFood
11 Sep 2025 • 9:24 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Dr Amir Khan discussed "lettuce water" on Lorraine, surprising host Lorraine Kelly with its potential sleep benefits.
  • The drink, derived from an "ancient herbal tradition", contains lactucarium, which old texts referred to as "lettuce opium".
  • While concentrated doses of lactucarium can sedate animals, Dr Khan explained that humans would need to consume around 20 glasses to achieve a similar effect.
  • He humorously noted that drinking such a large quantity would lead to frequent urination, negating any sleep benefits.
  • Watch the video in full above.

IN FULL