Wild Lettuce Leaf - LACTUCA VIROSA
(Cut & Sifted) (Organically Grown) Available in 1 OZ.
COMMON NAME
Standardized: wild lettuce
Common Names: Lettuce Opium
BOTANICAL NAME
Lactuca virosa L.
Plant Family: Asteraceae
INTRODUCTION
Wild lettuce is not a vegetable but actually a woodland member of the sunflower family. The dried latex or sap of wild lettuce was at one time used as a substitute for opium. Although wild lettuce does not have the calming power of opium, neither does it cause stomach upset, constipation, or diarrhea as opium products do.
CONSTITUENTS
The sedative effect of wild lettuce is attributed to lactucopicrin and lactucin. The leaf also contains apigenin, luteolin, quercetin, coumarins, mannitol. The fresh leaf but not the dried herb contains hyosycamine, a chemical also found in henbane.
PARTS USED
Aerial parts (leaf and stem)
TYPICAL PREPARATIONS
Capsules, teas, tinctures. Fresh green leaves are sometimes added to salads.
PRECAUTIONS
Specific: No known precautions.
General: We recommend that you consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.*