Wild Lettuce
Lactuca virosa
The milky 'lettuce opium' sap was traditionally used as a mild sedative and pain reliever (no opiates).
Traditional use (european-folk): The milky 'lettuce opium' sap was traditionally used as a mild sedative and pain reliever (no opiates).
The milky 'lettuce opium' sap was traditionally used as a mild sedative and pain reliever (no opiates).
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- The milky 'lettuce opium' sap was traditionally used as a mild sedative and pain reliever (no opiates).
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- Sedating; large amounts cause dizziness/nausea; avoid in pregnancy.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Sedating; large amounts cause dizziness/nausea; avoid in pregnancy.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.