Wild Lettuce
Other names for Wild Lettuce
certified organic wild lettuce extract
certified organic wild lettuce (lactuca virosa) dried herb extract
certified organic wild lettuce (lactuca virosa) herb extract
fermented organic wild leaf lettuce powder
fresh wild lettuce herb extract
lactuca spp.
lactuca virosa
lactuca virosa extract
lactuca virosa herb extract, dry
lactuca virosa leaf extract
organic wild lettuce
selectively imported wild lettuce
wild lettuce
wild lettuce 4:1 extract
wild lettuce 4:1 extract powder
wild lettuce extract
wild lettuce flowering top extract
wild lettuce, fresh
wild lettuce herb extract
wild lettuce (lactuca virosa)
wild lettuce (lactuca virosa) leaf extract
wild lettuce leaf extract
wild lettuce leaf glycerite liquid extract
wild lettuce leaf powder
wild lettuce powder
wild lettuce, powder
Synopsis of Wild Lettuce
History
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) has a rich history as a medicinal herb, stretching back to ancient civilizations. Praised for its milky sap, known as "lactucarium," wild lettuce was often referred to as "opium lettuce" due to its gentle, calming effects on the nervous system, though it contains no opiates. In ancient Egypt and Greece, healers utilized wild lettuce to soothe pain and promote restful sleep. By the 19th century, it was commonly included in pharmacopeias across Europe and America as a natural alternative for pain relief and cough suppression.
Traditionally, wild lettuce has been valued as a remedy for headaches, joint pain, muscle spasms, and insomnia. Its mild sedative qualities made it a popular choice for easing anxiety and supporting relaxation without the risk of addiction or significant side effects. Infusions, tinctures, and syrups prepared from the leaves and sap were widely used to calm restlessness and reduce discomfort from minor ailments.
In herbal combinations, wild lettuce is often paired with other calming botanicals, such as valerian, passionflower, or hops, to create synergistic blends that enhance overall relaxation and sleep support. It is also included in herbal cough syrups and teas for its soothing effects on the throat and respiratory tract. Today, wild lettuce continues to be recognized for its valuable role in natural wellness, offering a gentle and time-honored approach to managing stress and discomfort. Its legacy as a versatile and effective herbal ally endures in modern nutritional products and holistic remedies.
Traditional and scientific validation
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), sometimes referred to as "opium lettuce," has a long-standing history in traditional herbal medicine, especially in Europe. Historically, wild lettuce has been used as a natural remedy for pain relief, insomnia, and coughs, owing to its reputed sedative and analgesic properties. The milky sap, or latex, contains compounds such as lactucin and lactucopicrin, which are believed to contribute to these effects.
Modern scientific studies on wild lettuce remain limited, but the plant has shown potential in preliminary research. Laboratory investigations have found that lactucin and lactucopicrin may possess mild analgesic and sedative effects. For instance, a study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2006) demonstrated that extracts of wild lettuce could decrease pain response in animal models. Additional in vitro studies have noted antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, suggesting broader potential benefits.
Despite these promising findings, clinical trials in humans are scarce, and more robust research is needed to confirm wild lettuce’s efficacy and safety for use as a dietary supplement. Nonetheless, its enduring use in traditional medicine and the presence of bioactive compounds highlight its potential as a natural health ingredient. Many nutritional products continue to include wild lettuce for its reputed calming and pain-relieving effects, reflecting both historical trust and emerging scientific interest. As research progresses, wild lettuce may offer even greater contributions to natural health and wellness strategies.
Wild Lettuce is used for these health conditions
Abdominal Pain (Traditional)
Anxiety (Traditional)
Backache (Traditional)
Burns and Scalds (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Dizziness (Traditional)
Headache (general) (Traditional)
Headache (tension) (Traditional)
Indigestion (Traditional)
Inflammation (Traditional)
Insomnia (Traditional)
Irritability (Traditional)
Nervousness (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Sleep (restless and disturbed) (Traditional)
Stress (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
Wild Lettuce is used to support these body systems
Brain (Traditional)
Lungs (Traditional)
Muscles (Traditional)
Nerves (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)