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It resembles a cross between a dandelion and a thistle. As a pain-relieving herb and sedative, it has been used in folk medicine for thousands of years.
In the 19th century it was considered a substitute for opium and was sometimes even called the “opium of the poor”. Hopi Indians occasionally smoked it to induce a state of mild euphoric dreaming.
A powerful herb
Even today in France the liquid extracted from this herb is used as a mild sedative.
Get to know poisonous lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
Don’t be alarmed by its name. Although it’s called “poisonous,” it actually isn’t. In English it is called wild lettuce, which better describes its character.
Poisonous lettuce contains a milky sap that includes small amounts of pain-relieving opiates. When this sap is collected and dried, it is called lactucarium.
Its main active compounds are lactupicrin, lactucin and lactucopicrin, which are characterized by analgesic and sedative activity similar to ibuprofen.
Researchers in Iran found that this herb was a known pain reliever as far back as pre-Victorian times.
In a Polish publication from the 19th century, which was confirmed by the Institute for the History of Science, it is stated that the active substances of poisonous lettuce are indeed weaker than opium, but do not have its undesirable side effects.
Moreover, it has been confirmed that in some cases it had better therapeutic effects than opium.
Although it does not contain opium, it has several similar effects. In addition to the aforementioned pain relief, it also helps with coughing. It has even been shown to be beneficial for severe whooping cough.
Health uses of poisonous lettuce
Let’s now look at other conditions for which the healing effects of this herb can be used.
Anxiety
Poisonous lettuce has mildly sedative effects, which makes it an excellent remedy for anxiety states.
Insomnia
This herb has long been used to treat insomnia.
Tension relief
It is sometimes also called opiate lettuce, because it has effects similar to opium. Not only does it reduce pain, but it also affects the psyche and eases nervous tension.
Migraines and headaches
It is believed that this herb reduces the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Asthma
In the past, poisonous lettuce was used to treat asthma. Even today many people who use it claim that it reduces the severity of asthma and the problems associated with it.
Mild euphoriant
The main reason many people choose this herb is its opiate-like effects. Poisonous lettuce induces feelings of mild euphoria similar to opiates, although it contains no opiates. Moreover, it is completely legal and does not have the negative side effects of opiates.
Warning
Consuming high doses of poisonous lettuce can cause nausea, vomiting and dizziness.
Therefore, don’t overdo its consumption. It’s best to add a few of its leaves to a salad.
How to use poisonous lettuce
When you break the stems of this plant, a thick white milky liquid comes out. From this liquid you can make an alcohol tincture or dry it into a powder.
You can also make a tincture by steeping whole leaves and flowers in alcohol.
You can also dry the leaves and flowers and later prepare tea from them.
When using the milky sap, add approximately 1.5 grams (one-third of a teaspoon) to water, juice or tea.
It is also possible to smoke it in a pipe. For that, 0.25 grams of dried herb is enough. When smoked its effect is greatest, but there are associated risks of inhaling smoke similar to those of regular smoking.
