Wild lettuce is a plant found in parts of the world that has sedative and pain relieving effects and for managing stress and chronic pain. It is a cousin to dandelion and is known as a natural opioid. This post will explore wild lettuce, how I make it into medicine, and how to harvest the seeds to grow later on.
So what really Is Wild Lettuce and What Does It Do? Wild lettuce is a plant that contains natural chemicals that act on the central nervous system. Wild lettuce is believed to slow pain communication between nerve cells, kill many bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other microorganisms, and help you sleep.
The most popular reason Wild Lettuce is consumed is for its pain relieving effects. In mice studies, it was found that the amount of wild lettuce needed was half the dose compared to ibuprofen. Wild lettuce is generally considered safe if consumed in reasonable amounts, although it may cause mild indigestion, jitteriness, or drowsiness. It is best to start in very small doses and work your way up to 1-2 teaspoons per day. Some people may experience skin irritation if wild lettuce is applied to the skin. This is especially true for people with a latex allergy. Don’t take if pregnant, breastfeeding, or below the age of 6. Also, avoid use if you are taking sedatives or any sedating substance, including alcohol, opioids, or antihistamines like Benadryl, or other sedating herbs. It is also recommended not to consume the leaves, raw.
When growing, it can reach 3 to 8 feet in height. It has green leaves and pale yellow flowers. The seeds are attached to a pappus that resembles the puffy white “fluff” of a dandelion. I just shake them into a jar or paper bag to dry for later use. You can use the dried leaves to make a tea by steeping one to two tablespoons into a cup of boiling water. Make sure to cover it while steeping. My favorite way of using this herb is in a tincture. I normally gravitate to tinctures, simply because if made and stored correctly, they can have an indefinite shelf life. But like I said before, start out consuming very slow with just a few tincture drops and work your way up to what is best for your body. Grow this fabulous herb if you can! Get this in your back yard pharmacy now!