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.