Prickly lettuce is unlike farmed lettuce, which is tender and milky, just as it is used in salads; however, it lacks practically any medicinal properties. Instead, it is a valuable remedy used in ancient times when it is green, wholly grown, and mature (wild lettuce is even better).
- CONCENTRATED, POWERFUL, AND POTENT: Our Wild Lettuce Extract Capsules are made from a powerful 4:1 extract for extra potency, providing 500 mg strength per capsule. Even better, we use an extract – not a dried leaf powder – which provides a much higher concentration of the desirable active compounds found in Wild Lettuce.
Healing Properties and Uses
The leaves of prickly lettuce contain chlorophyll, mineral salts, vitamins, and a bitter substance. However, the active components that act on the nervous system are found in the milky latex, which springs from the plant’s stems when cut. Lactucarium is obtained from this latex by employing a process called solidification.
Prickly lettuce leaves, and especially latex, have the following properties:
- Sedative, similar to opium, though unlike this, lettuce does not have any toxic effect so that it may be used even with children. In this way, it calms excessive activity and eases sleep.
- Anaphrodisiac. It helps control sexual excitation. Dioscorides said that “it stops wet dreams and represses the disorderly appetite for fornication.”
- Antitussive. Lettuce is especially recommended for irritant coughs and whooping cough.
Prickly Lettuce Scientific Facts
- Other names: Acrid lettuce, poison lettuce, green lettuce, wild lettuce.
- French: Laitue sauvage, laitue vireuse.
- Spanish: Lechuga silvestre, lactucario.
- Environment: Grows widespread on the dry fields and rocky slopes of Central and South Europe.
- Description: This is a plant of the Compositae family, growing from 0.4 to 1.5 m high. Its stem is vertical and solid, green or violet-colored, from which big, tooth-edged leaves grow.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: Leaves and latex.
How to use Prickly Lettuce
- During ten minutes, decoction with one hundred grams of lettuce per liter of water. Drink three cups, sweetened with honey, every day and another cup before bed. Use wild lettuce, or well-grown and blooming, when farmed lettuce.
- Lactucarium. Usually from 0.1 to 1 g in a daily intake.
- Fresh juice: You can obtain this by utilizing a blender. Drink half a cup two or three times a day, especially before going to bed. It may be mixed with lemon juice.
Frequently Asked Question
What are the essential active compounds in prickly lettuce that offer health benefits?
Lactucin and Lactucopicrin: These bitter substances within the plant’s sap (lactucarium) affect the central nervous system. They are primarily responsible for the pain-relieving and sedative effects.
Sesquiterpene lactones: This more extensive group of beneficial compounds is present in plants of the lettuce family and has been linked to various medicinal effects.
How does prickly lettuce compare to opium in terms of pain relief?
Prickly lettuce has been historically nicknamed “opium lettuce” due to its milder analgesic (pain-relieving) properties. However, it’s important to note that it DOES NOT contain any of the addictive opioids found in opium.
Is there scientific evidence to support using prickly lettuce for anxiety and sleep?
Although there is significant traditional use, further human clinical trials are necessary to conclusively establish the efficacy of prickly lettuce for treating anxiety and sleeplessness. Preliminary animal research suggests potential benefits, but additional research is required.
Are there any known anti-inflammatory effects of prickly lettuce?
Research has indicated that prickly lettuce might possess anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have explored its potential in reducing inflammation linked to conditions like osteoarthritis.
Can prickly lettuce help with menstrual pain?
Prickly lettuce has been used to alleviate menstrual cramps. While there’s limited scientific evidence to directly support this, its pain-relieving and potentially anti-spasmodic effects might relieve some.
What are the standard ways to consume prickly lettuce?
Tea: Dried leaves can be steeped to create a tea.
Tincture: Liquid extracts using alcohol are available.
Capsules: Supplements containing prickly lettuce extract can be found.
Smoking: Historically, the dried sap (lactucarium) was sometimes smoked, although this method is not generally recommended.
Are there dosage guidelines for prickly lettuce?
Due to limited human studies, there is no standardized dosage. It is advisable to adhere to the advice provided on a supplement product or seek tailored guidance from a healthcare professional.
What potential side effects should I be aware of?
Generally considered safe, prickly lettuce might cause side effects in some individuals, like:
Drowsiness
Vivid dreams
Nausea (especially with excessive dosage)
Restlessness
Are there any groups of people who should avoid prickly lettuce?
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Safety data is insufficient, so avoiding use is best.
Individuals on medications: Consult your doctor, as prickly lettuce could potentially interact with medications for sedation, anxiety, or sleep.
Those with allergies to the Asteraceae family: Exercise caution if you are allergic to related plants like ragweed or daisies.
Where can I find reliable information about prickly lettuce?
Websites like Healthline, WebMD, and RxList provide potential uses and safety information overviews. Examine scientific studies on databases like PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 160. Print.
- https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/wild-lettuce
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-342/wild-lettuce
- https://www.rxlist.com/wild_lettuce/supplements.htm
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3628382/
Last update on 2024-04-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API