Wild Lettuce is considered a mild sedative that has been known to calm the nerves, treat restlessness, anxiety, hyperactivity and insomnia. Once considered an opium substitute, Wild Lettuce Leaf entered medical practice as a sedative in the eighteenth century because of its similar, but non-addictive, effects. Wild Lettuce has also been used as a diuretic and pain reliever.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by KT Botanicals is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History:
Wild Lettuce, sometimes called Prickly Lettuce, is an annual or biennial herb that is native to Europe, but was introduced to North America, where it grows as a weed in dumps, waste places and on roadsides from Canada throughout the United States. The plant has erect, slender stems, large, prickly-edged leaves and heads of tiny yellow flowers that may grow to six feet in height. Called Compass Plant by some (because it turns its leaves to the sun during the day), it thrives in well-drained, dry, alkaline soil in sun; and Wild Lettuce is the ancestor of all lettuce plants. Its use as a medicine may be traced back to ancient times, and even the Roman Emperor, Augustus, was said to build a statue of his physician, who had prescribed the herb for him and cured him of a serious disease in its honor. It was used as a sedative and pain reliever, and the Romans even used it to prevent inebriation. Wild Lettuce entered medical practice as a sedative in the eighteenth century as an adulterate opium because of its similar, but non-addictive, effects; and new mothers once used it to promote lactation. It is a very bitter, sedative herb that was considered an opium substitute into the nineteenth century and was sometimes called a "poor man's opium." Although it is extremely bitter with an unpleasant smell, Wild Lettuce is loved by horses, and some people do cook it as a vegetable and use it in salads. When dried, the leaves produce a milky latex substance called lactucarium, which is used in herbal medicine. Some of the constituents in Wild Lettuce include the important milky latex substance (lactucarium), fiber and valuable minerals and vitamins.
Beneficial Uses:
Wild Lettuce is considered a mild sedative. The lactucarium in the leaves is considered mildly narcotic (without being addictive and harsh on the digestive system) and has often been used to induce sleep, and treat insomnia and hyperactivity in children. Because it is soothing to the digestive system, it has also been helpful for colic.
In addition, Wild Lettuce is used as a "nervine," or agent that strengthens the functional activity of nervous system, which may have either sedative or stimulating effects. The herb is used to calm restlessness, anxiety, severe nervous disorders and neuroses.
Wild Lettuce is believed to be an expectorant that has been effective in easing bronchitis, asthma and dry, irritating coughs by helping to loosen and expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.
As a diuretic, Wild Lettuce helps to promote and increase urine flow and is said to help in cases of urinary tract infections and dropsy (edema), which is the accumulation of fluid in tissues (swelling) or body cavities.
Wild Lettuce is considered an anodyne and has been used to relieve pain, particularly muscular pain and the joint pain of arthritis. It is also thought to relieve painful monthly periods.
Wild Lettuce is said to soothe inflamed mucous membranes and ease the digestive system. It is said to relieve colic.
As an antispasmodic, Wild Lettuce has been used to alleviate cramps, irritating coughs and spasms.
