Tag: Lactuca virosa

Historically known as "lettuce opium," lactucarium is a milky latex produced by several species of plants in the genus *Lactuca*. While all plants in the lettuce family produce this substance to some degree, wild varieties are significantly more potent sources of lactucarium than the cultivated salad greens found in supermarkets. The concentration of this sap increases as the plant matures and begins to flower.

While the cultivated *Lactuca sativa* is a staple in most salads, with global production reaching 28 million tonnes in 2023, the edibility of wild *Lactuca* leaves is far more complex. The safety and taste of *Lactuca* leaves vary significantly between domesticated and wild species, making correct identification essential before consumption.

Historically known as 'opium lettuce' for its calming effects, wild lettuce (*Lactuca virosa*) has long been valued in traditional medicine for its unique properties. The medicinal properties of bitter lettuce are primarily concentrated in its milky sap, which contains compounds known for their mild analgesic and sedative qualities.

Wild lettuce has been used in traditional folk medicine for centuries for its calming properties. To properly prepare a relaxing and effective cup, the key question is how long to steep wild lettuce to extract its beneficial compounds without creating an overpowering bitterness.

Historically used for its sedative and pain-relieving properties, wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) has a documented history dating back to ancient Egypt. Beyond its historical medicinal use, wild lettuce offers a surprising array of vitamins, minerals, and other compounds that make it a notable wild green with specific nutritional properties.

While some foragers consume young wild lettuce, the edibility of the plant is complex and carries significant risks, particularly with certain species and mature plants. A 2009 study even detailed eight instances of poisoning after participants consumed large amounts of raw wild lettuce.

Historically, lactucarium has been used as a folk remedy for its sedative properties, earning the nickname 'lettuce opium'. This milky sap is most concentrated in certain wild lettuce species, though many members of the daisy family contain some level of the active compounds.

Historically, wild lettuce was famously used by physicians in the 19th century as a substitute when opium was unavailable due to its sedative properties. This practice is just one reason why wild lettuce is known by so many alternative names, often reflecting its bitter taste and milky sap.

Historically known as 'opium lettuce,' wild lettuce has been used for centuries as a natural remedy for pain and anxiety, yet there is a distinct lack of clinical evidence to support these traditional health claims.

The milky white sap of wild lettuce, called lactucarium, is chemically distinct from controlled substances, meaning it will not cause a positive result on a drug test. Despite its folk name, "opium lettuce," this herbal remedy's compounds do not contain opiate alkaloids or other illicit substances detected by standard drug screenings.