Description

History

The Wild Lettuce (Lactuca Virosa) has been used as a medical plant throughout history. There are written texts by the famous doctor Hippocrates prescribing the Wild Lettuce for its sedative and healing effects. The Roman emperor Augustus has eaten the lettuce to overcome a serious illness. This was very successful, which is why he erected a large statue to honor the plant! It was therefore probably the Romans who have started spread this plant over the world, to be able to cure diseases all over. The Wild Lettuce growths originally in most parts of Central and Southern Europe, and later in the Punjab area of Pakistan India and Northern Iran as well. During the periods of colonization the lettuce was brought to North-America and Australia.

The Wild Lettuce is also known as Lactuca Virosa, Bitter Lettuce, Great Lettuce, or even Opium Lettuce. The latter is probably because the effects are said to be close to the effects of opium. The active/psychoactive substances in this herb are lactucopicrin and lactucin, which are not officially opiates, but the effects are sedative and narcotic and therefore similar to opiates. It is said to have hypnotic effects when eaten in large quantities, even up to being toxic.

Use

Use 1-2 teaspoons for a cup of tea. Let it steep for 10-15 minutes before consumption.

Producer

Herbs of the Gods have collected high quality herbs since 1999. They have a selection of relaxing, stimulating and psychoactive herbs, that can be consumed by eating, drinking in teas or with a vaporizer.