Wonderfully Wild Weed

Lactuca virosa - quite the interesting, as it turns out, not too "common" plant.

The word "Lactuca" in Latin means milky juice while virosa means poisonous. It is a biennial herb which can grow up to 6 feet in height!  

Sounds quite ominous.  Add to it a long list of often prescribed uses such as ... 

"for whooping cough, asthma, urinary tract problems, cough, trouble sleeping (insomnia), restlessness, excitability in children, painful menstrual periods, excessive sex drive in women (nymphomania), muscular or joint pains, poor circulation, swollen genitals in men (priapism), and as an opium substitute in cough preparations. The seed oil is used for “hardening of the arteries” (atherosclerosis) and as a substitute for wheat germ oil. Some people apply directly to the skin to kill germs." http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-342-wild%20lettuce.aspx?activeingredientid=342&activeingredientname=wild%20lettuce

...and this fast-growing herb becomes even more intriguing...even WILD! 

Welcome to the Wonderful World Of Wild Lettuce!  One of the more common uses for Wild Lettuce is as a mild stress-reducing sedative.  A natural, herbal sleep aid.  Its effects are said to be similar to a mild opiate, earning the nickname "Lettuce Opium". 

"The sap contains 'lactucarium', which is used in medicine for its anodyne, antispasmodic, digestive, diuretic, hypnotic, narcotic and sedative properties. Lactucarium has the effects of a feeble opium, but without its tendency to cause digestive upsets, nor is it addictive." http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Lactuca+virosa

While the leaves and seeds of the plant are also utilized, it is the "sap" that is so coveted and easily harvested:

"Collectors cut the heads of the plants and scrape the juice into china vessels several times daily until it is exhausted. By slightly warming and tapping, it is turned out of its cup mould, is cut into quarters and dried." http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/l/lettuc17.html

Using extraction processes based on traditional knowledge and scientific research, Natural Hope Herbals offers several products featuring Wild Lettuce that you might find beneficial.

First and foremost, the Single Herb Liquid Tincture.  Tinctured twice, it has twice the herb power of a regular tincture and is used as a mild tonic to support a healthy respiratory system and a full night’s rest.

Natural Hope Herbals also incorporates the benefits of Wild Lettuce into a "Calm/Nerve" Formula.  a combination of nine herbs used to nourish and support a healthy nervous system during times of stress. The herbs in Calm/Nerve are tinctured fresh to bring you a superior tincture.

We are not only proud to offer Wild Lettuce, but the entire Natural Hope Herbals product line.  Natural Hope Herbals are all handmade in small batches and packaged and labeled in a professional facility. Traditional extraction method called maceration, which means soaking the herb, in the extracting liquid, known as the menstruum, for a number of weeks is utilized. Processes based on traditional knowledge and scientific research, are used to ensure Natural Hope Herbals products contain a broad spectrum of the herbs natural goodness. Natural Hope uses specific processes and menstruums to best extract the properties of each unique herb.

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These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

All research information is provided for educational purposes only and as a courtesy to our customers and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professionals. ALWAYS consult with a physician regarding any health-related questions and/or concerns!

“. . . the fruit shall be for food and the leaves shall be for medicine”

-Ezekiel 47:12