Widely distributed across Europe and naturalized throughout North America, Lactuca virosa — Wild Lettuce — has been used medicinally since at least the time of ancient Egypt, where it was cultivated and associated with the fertility god Min. Greek and Roman physicians used it as a gentle sedative, and 19th-century Eclectic physicians in America used its dried milky latex — lactucarium, sometimes called “lettuce opium” — as a milder, non-addictive alternative to opium for calming pain and promoting sleep.
Wild Lettuce is a gentle yet effective relaxant herb, most valued for its mild analgesic, sedative, and antispasmodic properties. Its key active constituents — lactucopicrin and lactucin — act on the nervous system in ways that promote calm, ease physical tension and mild pain, and support restful sleep without the dependency or strong side effects of pharmaceutical sedatives. It is particularly valued by herbalists for pain-associated sleeplessness, restless legs, mild chronic pain, and anxiety-driven tension. Wild Lettuce is also appreciated for its respiratory antispasmodic action, traditionally used to ease irritable, dry coughs and bronchial spasms. Because of its gentle nature, it is a useful herb for those seeking mild, non-habit-forming nervous system and pain support.
Wild Lettuce creates a deeply calming sleep and relaxation blend with Passionflower, Skull Cap, and Egyptian Chamomile — a layered nervine trio that addresses nervous tension, racing thoughts, and mild pain-related insomnia in a beautifully complementary formula.
Wild Lettuce may cause drowsiness — do not drive or operate heavy machinery after use. Large amounts may cause nausea. Not recommended during pregnancy. Use with caution with other sedative medications. As always, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before use, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
* Gentle analgesic and sedative herb — traditionally used as a non-addictive alternative to opium for pain-related sleep disruption
* Lactucopicrin and lactucin support calm, ease tension, and promote restful sleep
* Antispasmodic properties ease irritable coughs and bronchial tension
* Used by ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, and 19th-century Eclectic physicians for sedation and pain
* Mild, non-habit-forming nervous system support for anxiety, restlessness, and mild chronic pain
1. Add 1–2 teaspoons of dried Wild Lettuce herb to an infuser or teapot.
2. Pour 8 oz of water heated to 200°F over the herb.
3. Steep 10–15 minutes. Strain and serve.
4. Drink 1 cup 30–45 minutes before bedtime for sleep support, or as needed for mild pain and tension relief.
Wild Lettuce has a mildly bitter flavor — blend with chamomile and passionflower to improve taste and deepen the relaxing effect.
