- Region
- Europe
- Origin
- Europe
- Traditions
- Western herbal medicine
Europe · Herb · № 333
Lactuca virosa
Herb · Europe
Wild lettuce
Lactuca virosa
Traditionally attributed effects: calming, lowers blood sugar, sleep-inducing, suppresses libido.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Can cause drowsiness (do not drive), too much can cause confusion and reduced libido. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Herbal medicine worldwide: Can cause drowsiness (do not drive), too much can cause confusion and reduced libido.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
The dried milky sap, lactucarium or 'lettuce opium', was sold in the 19th century as a weak painkiller and sedative. It is much weaker than opium. In Graeco-Roman times lettuce was already eaten as a sleeping aid.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Herbal medicine worldwide
Attributed effects
Calming, lowers blood sugar, sleep-inducing, suppresses libido.
Preparation and amount
Leaves, milky sap.
Caution: Can cause drowsiness (do not drive), too much can cause confusion and reduced libido.