People have been using wild lettuce for centuries for pain relief and for its sedative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, there is a lack of research to confirm the effectiveness and safety of the plant, and consuming it can cause adverse effects.
Wild lettuce grows in wild habitats. Wild lettuce plants contain sedative compounds that can relieve pain, but can also be toxic.
This article discusses wild lettuce and how people have traditionally used it. It discusses its potential pain-relieving properties and other potential benefits and side effects. It also explains how to use wild lettuce and answers some frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Wild lettuce, Lactuca virosa, is a type of lettuce that belongs to the Asteraceae plant family. The genus Lactuca L. includes many types of lettuce, including the common edible variety Lactuca sativa.
Growing in Europe, Asia and North Africa, wild lettuce can reach 150 centimeters (cm) in height and is a biennial plant, growing every 2 years. In Latin, Lactuca means milky extract, and virosa means toxic. People sometimes call wild lettuce “opium lettuce” or Launaea taraxacifolia.
The plant releases milky latex from its stem and leaves called lactucarium, an active herbal ingredient.
According to an older review, people have used lettuce for its beneficial effects for centuries, and several countries included wild lettuce in their pharmacopoeias until the early 20th century.
Learn about a latex allergy here.
The review explains that wild lettuce latex contains bitter sesquiterpene lactones, compounds in plant extracts, that scientists believe are responsible for its herbal properties. The most studied sesquiterpene by researchers is lactucin, which is also present in common lettuce and chicory.
According to the review, recreational users reported a similar narcotic-euphoric effect. In addition, animal studies in mice confirmed the analgesic and sedative effects of wild lettuce.
A 2015 review notes that people historically considered lactuca species to be intoxicating and pain-relieving plants similar to opium. Lettuce had a weaker effect than opium, but with fewer side effects.
However, there is a lack of recent studies supporting the health claims of traditional medicines.
Because of the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, some health retailers may market wild lettuce as a supplement for therapeutic purposes. However, there is no conclusive evidence of efficacy and safety when using wild lettuce for pain.
Learn about other ways to relieve pain naturally.
Although people have traditionally used wild lettuce for centuries, there is very little research to confirm its health benefits.
A 2018 study discussed how research has shown that Launaea taraxacifolia possesses important pharmacological activities, including:
Other research from 2014 confirms that Lactuca species has anti-inflammatory and possibly anti-cancer properties.
Additionally, 2017 animal studies indicate that Lactuca species, like romaine lettuce, have antioxidant properties that can induce sleep.
Learn more about antioxidants and health here.
Some sources urge caution when using wild lettuce and advise people to use it only under the supervision of a trained professional.
They note that wild lettuce contains hyoscyamine, which depresses the parasympathetic nervous system. This system is responsible for the function of the digestive tract, breathing and heart rate. They warn that overdoses of wild lettuce can cause death from cardiac paralysis.
Also, fresh wild lettuce releases milky latex, which can irritate the skin.
If someone consumes wild lettuce and experiences symptoms or side effects, they should contact a doctor.
Learn more about side effects here.
Anecdotal evidence suggests that people should not use wild lettuce in the same way as regular lettuce because of its potentially toxic effects. Therefore, experts do not recommend eating wild lettuce as a salad ingredient, as it may be unsafe.
Some people make a wild lettuce extract by boiling the dried herb in a pan with rubbing alcohol and water until concentrated. They collect the steam in an upside down lid and use a process of rinsing alcohol through the plant material to make a decoction, which is a concentrated liquor.
Retailers sell wild lettuce in the following forms:
- tablets
- liquid dyes
- powdered extracts
- resin
- dry herbs
If someone wants to use wild lettuce as an herbal supplement, they should seek advice from a qualified professional. Wild lettuce herbal remedies may interact with medications or not be suitable for certain groups of people, such as those who are pregnant or have an illness.
Learn more about vitamins, herbs and supplements in our dedicated hub here.
Below are answers to some frequently asked questions.
How can I identify wild lettuce?
Wild lettuce can grow in grassy places by roads, canals and the sea. It can grow up to 180 cm (6 ft) tall and has bright green leaves that sprout from a stem that may be spotted with purple.
However, it is not safe to forage for wild herbs unless someone is properly qualified, as they can be toxic.
What are safe alternatives to wild lettuce for pain relief?
Products that some people use for pain relief include CBD oil, turmeric, and fish oils. However, people should always talk to a doctor about the safest options.
People have used wild lettuce in traditional medicine for pain relief for centuries, and some studies suggest that the plant has analgesic and sedative properties.
However, there is not enough evidence to suggest that wild lettuce is safe or effective for this purpose. Wild lettuce can be toxic and cause dangerous side effects, so always consult a qualified physician before using it.
A person can ask their doctor to prescribe pain-relieving medications or recommend safe, natural alternatives.
