When people hear “wild lettuce,” they often think of a leafy green salad. But wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is actually a very different plant with a long history of traditional use. Sometimes called “opium lettuce” in folklore, it’s not related to opium at all — but it has been valued for its unique properties in natural wellness practices.
Here are five surprising things you may not know about wild lettuce:
1. Wild Lettuce Has Been Used for Centuries
Wild lettuce isn’t new — it’s been documented in herbal traditions dating back to the 19th century and beyond. People once foraged it in the wild and crafted their own herbal remedies, using it as a calming ally in everyday life.
2. It Contains a Unique Compound Called Lactucarium
When cut, wild lettuce releases a white, milky sap known as lactucarium. This resin-like substance has been studied for its traditional use and was once even listed in old European pharmacopeias. While not the same as pharmaceutical compounds, lactucarium is what gave wild lettuce its reputation as a calming herb.
3. It’s Nicknamed “Nature’s Calming Herb”
Throughout history, wild lettuce earned the nickname “nature’s calming herb.” It was often used in teas, tinctures, and extracts to promote relaxation. Herbalists today still value it as part of their natural wellness toolkit.
4. It Grows in the Wild — But Isn’t a Salad Green
Unlike the lettuce you’d toss into a salad, wild lettuce is a tall, somewhat spiny plant that grows in fields, roadsides, and open spaces. It’s hardy, resilient, and blooms with small yellow flowers. Herbalists typically use the leaves and sap to craft tinctures and extracts.
5. Today, You Can Find It in Convenient Tincture Form
For modern herbal practice, wild lettuce is most often enjoyed as a tincture. This concentrated liquid extract makes it easy to add the herb into a wellness routine without the need for foraging or preparation. Just a few drops bring the essence of this traditional herb into everyday life.
Bringing Tradition into Your Routine
Wild lettuce is a fascinating plant with deep roots in herbal tradition. Whether you’re learning about herbs for the first time or expanding your knowledge, it’s an herb that continues to spark curiosity and respect.
✅ FDA Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.