Wild lettuce is a plant that has been used for pain relief and to induce sleep. It’s used by people interested in alternatives to conventional medications. Lactucarium , a chemical produced by this plant, may deliver similar effects as opium — but with fewer side effects. In fact, wild lettuce is often referred to as “opium lettuce” due to its purported pain-relieving qualities.
Historically, doctors used wild lettuce as a pain reliever and a treatment for conditions such as whooping cough, with research studies on its use dating as far back as 1815.
Wild lettuce is promoted as a natural treatment for a variety of conditions aside from pain, such as:
Dosage: Start with smaller dose. 10-15 drops as needed not to exceed twice a day or for longer than a couple weeks at a time.
Use caution if you are taking pain or other medications. Seek the advice of physician before you try alternative products.