Wild Lettuce Powder

One of many species of wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa is a tall, weedy cousin of cultivated lettuce. When cut or scratched, the leaves and stems of the plant exude a milky white latex with a bitter taste and noxious smell. This is reflected in its scientific names Lactuca, meaning “milky extract,” and virosa meaning “toxic.”

Traditionally known as lactucarium, the dried milky sap of wild lettuce contains lactucin and lactucopicrin, two compounds that may contribute to the herb’s sedative and possible pain-relieving effects. Lactucarium’s resemblance to opium — the dark color, smell, and popularity as a painkiller and sedative in European folk medicine — ultimately led to the common name “opium lettuce.”

Modern herbalists use wild lettuce to treat insomnia, anxiety and restlessness. It also has antispasmodic and antitussive qualities to reduce coughing. Wild lettuce herb is typically tinctured or steeped as tea; the powdered herb may also be used to make soothing salves and lotions for external use.