Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
Also known as opium lettuce, bitter lettuce, wild opium, horse thistle, China lettuce and prickly lettuce.
Opium lettuce, aka Wild lettuce, secretes a milky white ingredient known as lactucarium when it is scratched or cut. This ingredient contains lactucin and lactucopicrin which are bitter substances that act on the central nervous system to produce pain-relieving effects.
According to research, these effects are as strong as opium, but with fewer side effects.
Opium is a pain-relieving agent which was commonly used in ancient times.
When dried, wild lettuce resembles opium. Additionally, the lettuce also contains traces of hyoscyamine, which is probably responsible for its sedative effects.
Aside from pain, wild lettuce is also known for its ability to promote numerous health benefits. Listed below are some of them:
Help treat urinary tract infection
Decreases symptoms of anxiety and manic behavior
Improves sleep patterns and prevent insomnia
Stops tension and pain in the muscles
Manage asthma symptoms and support respiratory health
Reduces the frequency and severeness of migraine headaches. Calms restlessness and excitability in children
Treats sexual disorders
Kills germs when the latex is applied to the skin
Aids with circulation and boost energy levels
Minimizes menstrual cramps
Calms excessive drive in men and women (nymphomania)
Lowers inflammation and joint pain
Some similarities to opium include its ability to dull the sensation of pain while producing a mild, euphoric effect that can last for hours.
Properties– Sedative(Tranquilizing), Hypnotic(Induces sleep), Analgesic(Pain Relieving) and Digestive Bitter(Aids in Digestion).
Should not be taken while pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not take if allergic to the Ragweed family(Asteraceae).
Exercise caution if you are using anti depressants, anxiety, sedative or sleeping medication.(Interactions are unknown). Otherwise there are no known contraindications.
Also, those who are suffering from opiate withdrawal have reported having fewer and less-severe symptoms if they are enjoying the medicinal benefits of this plant.
As with all of my products, this ointment is vegan friendly and gluten free. You will receive one, 30 ml tin.
Plant material(s) for this ointment is grown, harvested, infused, and poured by me.
Ingredients include opium/wild lettuce, organic sunflower oil, poplar bud oil, and vegan Candelilla wax.
United States