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Lactuca virosa (Compositae)
WILD LETTUCE, LETTUCE OPIUM
The milky fluid from this herb is
a mild sedative. Herbalists use the dried leaves for bronchitis, irritable
coughs, restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety.
Known as poor man's opium, the white latex of this plant
was used in the 19th century to adulterate opium. It is, however, much milder than opium and does not disrupt the stomach as much.
Wild lettuce has also long been used in cough mixtures as a sedative and cough suppressant.
Native to Europe and the wild parent of salad lettuce, this biennial plant has a slightly raised rosette of hairy oval leaves.
In the second year of growth, numerous yellow daisy-like flowers appear. The plant has a strong odour and all parts exude a white latex when cut.
PARTS USED
Latex, dried leaves.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
The sesquiterpene lactone and
lactucin; flavonoids, including quercetin; coumarins.
ACTIONS
Sedative; promotes sleep; mild pain reliever.
MEDICINAL USE
Used to treat bronchitis, irritable coughs,
insomnia (particularly in children), anxiety, and restlessness.
PREPARATIONS
Infusion, tincture.
CAUTION
Use only under the guidance of a qualified practitioner,
as overdose can produce stupor, coma, and death.
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