Herbs & Botanicals

Product Description

Botanical Name: Lactuca virosa

Plant Family: Asteraceae (Compositae)

Botanical Description:
Lactuca virosa, commonly known as wild lettuce or opium lettuce, is a biennial herbaceous plant native to Europe and Western Asia. It typically grows between 60 to 150 centimeters in height, featuring a rosette of deeply lobed, toothed leaves in its first year, and erect, branching stems with smaller leaves in its second year. The leaves exude a milky latex when cut, giving rise to the species epithet "virosa," meaning "poisonous" in Latin. Inconspicuous yellow flowers appear in clusters on tall spikes during the plant's second year of growth. Wild lettuce prefers well-drained soil and is often found in open woodlands, meadows, and along roadsides.

Introduction:
Wild lettuce has a long history of use as a medicinal herb, dating back to ancient civilizations. Despite its name, it is not actually a type of lettuce commonly consumed in salads but rather a potent botanical. It has been used in various herbal traditions around the world, particularly in Europe and North America, where it has earned a reputation for its potential theraputic benifits.

Preparations:
Tincture: Prepare a wild lettuce tincture by macerating fresh or dried wild lettuce leaves and stems in alcohol (such as vodka or brandy) for several weeks. Strain the tincture and store it in a dark glass bottle. Take the tincture orally by diluting it in water or juice according to the dosage instructions provided on the product label or by a qualified herbalist.
Infusion: Prepare a wild lettuce infusion by steeping dried wild lettuce leaves in hot water for 6-15 minutes. Strain and drink the infusion as a tea.
Capsules or Tablets: Wild lettuce extract is available in capsule or tablet form for convenience. Follow the dosage instructions provided on the product label or consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner for appropriate dosing.