Dried Wild Lettuce
$10.00
Sale price
$10.00
Regular price
Skip to product information
Dried Wild Lettuce
$10.00
Sale price
$10.00
Regular price
Dried wild lettuce- harvested from our homestead where we use organic practices.
8g/.35oz
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is often called "opium lettuce" because its milky sap contains lactucarium, a substance historically used as a mild alternative to opium. While it shares some sedative and pain-relieving properties, it is chemically distinct from true opiates, much weaker, and lacks addictive qualities.
How it Works
The pain-relieving effects of wild lettuce come from sesquiterpene lactones (primarily lactucin and lactucopicrin)
. Rather than binding to the brain's opioid receptors like narcotics, these compounds calm nerve signals through adenosine receptors.
- Pain Relief: Historically used to treat mild muscle and joint pain, though it is not nearly as potent as synthetic or opiate analgesics.
- Sedation: Promotes relaxation and can help alleviate insomnia or nervous tension.
- Antispasmodic: Sometimes used to help calm coughs.
Risks and Safety
- Side Effects: Excessive doses can cause nausea, dizziness, sweating, and blurred vision.
- Interactions: Because of its sedative properties, combining wild lettuce with central nervous system depressants or prescription sleep medications (like Ambien or Ativan) can cause excessive drowsiness.
- Administration: Ingesting concentrated or improperly prepared extracts can carry higher risks.
Disclaimer: While sold as an herbal remedy, wild lettuce is not evaluated or approved by the FDA for the treatment of any medical condition. Consult a healthcare professional before adding it to your routine, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.