Wild Lettuce

Identity

Common Name

Wild Lettuce

Scientific Name

Lactuca virosa

Botanical Family

Asteraceae

Native Region

Europe and the Mediterranean

Cultivation Regions

Europe, North Africa, temperate regions

Plant Parts Used

Leaves, Milky latex (lactucarium)

Synonyms

Bitter Lettuce, Lactucarium, Opium Lettuce

Caffeine Level

Caffeine Free

A tall biennial with large lobed blue-green leaves clasping a hollow stem that exudes a milky latex, and a loose pyramidal cluster of small pale-yellow composite flowers; the leaves and latex are used.

Historical Background

Wild lettuce has been a European and Mediterranean folk sedative for centuries, its milky latex ('lactucarium') prized as 'lettuce opium' for pain and sleep. The leaves brew a mild, calming, caffeine-free cup, while the concentrated latex is far stronger and historically used cautiously.

Earliest recorded uses: European and Mediterranean traditions for centuries; a mild sedative and pain herb ('lettuce opium').

Traditional Uses

These uses document historical traditions and do not imply proven effectiveness.

Flavor & Aroma

Aroma: Mild, green, slightly bitter, milky

Tea Information

Research Summary

Wild lettuce has a tradition as a mild sedative and pain herb; preclinical work suggests sedative activity from lactucarium (lactucin). Clinical evidence is insufficient; it is not a treatment for insomnia, pain, anxiety, or any disease, and its concentrated latex warrants cautious, practitioner-guided use.

Evidence levels reflect the currently available scientific literature and may change as new research emerges. Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is stated plainly.

References & Sources