Wild Lettuce

What is Wild Lettuce?

Wild Lettuce (Lactuca Virosa), or Poison Lettuce, is not a lettuce you would use in a salad. It is a psychoactive herb with several unique properties. Using this supplement can provide a very relaxing, calming effect. Because Wild Lettuce can have sedative and calming effects, it is often used to support sleep. The effects are compared to those of opiates like Opium, but milder and non-addictive. Wild Lettuce can also alleviate pain. A higher dose creates an intoxication that users describe as ‘slightly spacey’. A lower dose is used to support sleep and enhance dreams. The active compounds in Wild Lettuce mildly affect the central nervous system, resulting in calming effects. The milky sap, lactucarium, contains various bioactive compounds, including lactucin and lactuca picrin. These natural components bind to certain receptors in the brain, similar to but less potent than opioids, which explains the comparison to opium. Besides its relaxing effects, Wild Lettuce is also valued by some users for its potential to improve sleep quality. It can help you fall asleep faster and may contribute to a deeper, more refreshing sleep. At lower dosages, users often notice subtle effects such as reduced muscle tension and a general sense of well-being, whilst higher dosages can lead to more pronounced effects.

How do you use Wild Lettuce?

Wild Lettuce comes in the form of 50 grams of coarsely cut and dried herbs. Although Wild Lettuce can be consumed in various ways, we recommend brewing it as a tea. Use 1 or 2 teaspoons per cup of hot water, let the tea steep for 5 to 20 minutes and then strain. The longer you let the tea steep, the stronger the flavour will be. The tea has a fairly mild taste but with a slightly bitter and grassy undertone. Use a flavouring or sweetener to make the drink sweeter to taste. For optimal extraction of the active compounds, it is important not to let the water boil when you pour it over the herbs. Water of approximately 90°C is ideal: allow boiled water to cool for a minute or two before using it. A well-sealed teapot or mug with a lid helps to retain the volatile compounds during steeping.

What are the ingredients of Wild Lettuce?

Lactuca Virosa (50 grams)

What is the recommended dosage of Wild Lettuce?

The recommended dosage is 1-2 cups per day, or approximately 1 gram. Start with 1 cup per day to see how your body responds.

Where does Wild Lettuce come from?

Wild Lettuce, also known as silver leaf or Lactuca virosa, is a plant related to common lettuce (Lactuca sativa), but with very different properties. It is a herbaceous plant native to Europe and Asia and is now also found in North America. Wild Lettuce is often used in herbal remedies due to its calming and pain-relieving properties. The plant has large, green leaves and long stems that secrete a mild, white, milky fluid when bruised. In summer, Wild Lettuce produces yellow flowers that resemble those of the common dandelion. Wild Lettuce has a long history in herbal medicine, with use dating back to the ancient Egyptians and Greeks.