Lettuce, greens and celery, though much eaten, are worse…
“Lettuce, greens and celery, though much eaten, are worse than cabbage, being equally indigestible without the addition of condiments. Besides, the lettuce contains narcotic properties. It is said of Galen, that he used to obtain from a head of it, eaten on going to bed, all the good effects of a dose of opium.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Lettuce and similar greens are hard to digest unless flavored, and lettuce was once thought to have opium‑like effects.
In simple terms: Greens need seasoning; lettuce once believed narcotic.
Key Takeaway
Add condiments for better digestion.
Themes
nutrition
digestion
historical beliefs
Mood
informative
reflective
Type
educational
historical
When to use this quote
- cooking
- diet planning
- historical research
Key Concepts
gastroenterology
pharmacology
Questions to Reflect On
- Do you season your vegetables?
- How have beliefs about food changed?
A Different Perspective
Modern nutrition shows lettuce is not narcotic.