Lactuca virosa
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) Daisy
Parts Used: Leaves, sap, and seeds.
Also known as prickly lettuce, wild opium and compass plant. This common weed can be used as an emergency edible food (not in large quantities though), a pain reliever and the sap is a wonderful natural wart remover.
Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) Daisy
Parts Used: Leaves, sap, and seeds.
Also known as prickly lettuce, wild opium and compass plant. This common weed can be used as an emergency edible food (not in large quantities though), a pain reliever and the sap is a wonderful natural wart remover.
Actions and Properties
- antibacterial
- analgesic (pain reliever)
- bitter
- sedative
Medicinal Uses
- Pain reliever (opium substitute)
- Cramps, muscle and joint pain.
- Sleep aid and helpful for nightmares.
- Calming and relaxing. Helps with restlessness, nervousness, anxiety and stress.
- Whooping cough and other types of coughs.
- Urinary tract problems.
- Milky sap dissolves warts and helps with aging spots.
- Milky sap can also disinfect wounds.
Methods of Use
- Milk (sap)
- Tea
- Tincture
- Herbal oil and salve
- Fresh leaves
Wild Crafting
Can be found in dry, sandy or rocky areas and waysides. Long, deeply lobed, sharply toothed leaves. Abundant with milky sap. Can harvest this plant anytime. I usually "harvest" by weeding my garden. Can be dried for future used or tincture fresh leaves. To collect sap just snap a leaf off or pull the plant up.
Caution
Use in moderate doses internally. May cause contact dermatitis in some individuals that are more sensitive. Not enough research for pregnant and nursing mothers so best to avoid internal use.
