Nowadays, some people are still using medicinal plants just like they were centuries ago. People have used these plants in treating different kinds of illnesses, which are rampant today. Some believe medicinal plants are powerful tools in healing the body. Wild lettuce is one such plant that is used to make medicine to treat numerous illnesses. People neglect this type of plant because they don’t really know all that it has to offer. We’re here to change that and share the health benefits of wild lettuce, along with additional information about the plant that you may find useful.
What is Wild Lettuce?
Wild lettuce is a type of tall, leafy plant that has small, yellow buds. It is closely related to domestic lettuce and is extensively known as Rakutu-Karyumu, Laitue vireuse, Poisonous Lettuce, and Bitter Lettuce, due to its bitter leaves. The botanical name of wild lettuce is Lactuca Virosa, in which “Lactuca” is the Latin word for “milky extract” and “Virosa” is the Latin word for “toxic.” The powerful milk latex is found in both stems and leaves of the wild lettuce. It was globally used in the 19th century as a substitute for opium, a type of latex.
Wild lettuce contains a host of benefits and is really great for the body. In fact, wild lettuce is great for relieving both pain and stress. Additionally, it is touted in the market as a natural treatment for numerous health problems. The sap, leaves, stem, and seed of wild lettuce plants offer help in treating a lot of illnesses.
Risk Factors of Wild Lettuce
Herbs can be good compared to drugs, which contain a lot of unnecessary chemicals. But, we need to be responsible for the herbs that we consume. Consuming a small to moderate amount of wild lettuce is safe. However…
- The milky latex of wild lettuce may cause irritation if applied directly to the skin.
- The impact of wild lettuce on pregnant women is unclear. Thus, it is advisable to avoid consumption and usage of wild lettuce if pregnant.
- Having an allergy to Compositae families, such as daisies, ragweed, marigolds, chrysanthemums, and others, may be an indicator that you could suffer from an allergic response to wild lettuce.
- It’s advisable to avoid using wild lettuce when you have glaucoma and hyperplasia, as it worsens those problems.
- It is recommended to avoid using wild lettuce if you are taking CNS (Central Nervous System) Depressants or anxiety medications.
How to use wild lettuce?
Wondering how you would be able to reap the benefits of wild lettuce? Here are some ways to enjoy the benefits of this medicinal plant:
- The flower, stem, and dried leaves of wild lettuce can be used to make herbal tea to treat different ailments.
- The latex of wild lettuce can be used to cure skin issues and kill germs.
- You can consume the boiled leaves, but they do have a bit bitter taste.
Benefits of Wild Lettuce
Wild lettuce is extensively known due to its numerous healing qualities. It has been used for thousands of years by aiding in sedation and relaxation practices. Here are the health benefits of wild lettuce:
- Relieves Pain – Wild lettuce contains an analgesic property that is identified as one of the best properties to treat pain. Wild lettuce can lessen pain associated with menstruation, along with joint pain, muscle pain, colic pain, muscle spasms, uterine cramps, and arthritic pain.
- Assists to Soothe Anxiety and Stress – The mild, euphoric properties of wild lettuce have the ability to take good care of the nervous system. It is used to soothe the anxiety and stress in the body.
- Helps to treat Headaches and Migraines – A cup of wild lettuce tea helps to quickly get rid of headaches and migraines.
- Skin Care – The latex of wild lettuce is used to cure skin problems, such as irritation and infections.
- The Remedy for Insomnia – The sedative property of wild lettuce assists in treating insomnia and aids in getting a better night’s sleep.
- Helps with Respiratory Concerns – The antitussive properties of wild lettuce have the ability to cure annoying coughs and asthma. It is also effective to treat bronchitis and whooping cough.
- Helps treat Sexual Disorders – Wild lettuce has the ability to help improve or decrease sex drive, balancing out sexual desires. It is commonly used to cure nymphomaniac, an uncontrollable sex drive in women.
- Relieves Symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) – A cup of wild lettuce tea can helps to reduce the symptoms of PMS. It can help ease the pain, uneasiness, and anxiety that often accompanies PMS.
- Treats Urinary Tract Issues – Wild lettuce contains a natural diuretic property that works to cure urinary tract infections.
