Wild Lettuce Leaf

History:
Wild Lettuce, sometimes called Prickly Lettuce, is an annual or biennial herb that is native to Europe, but was introduced to North America, where it grows as a weed in dumps, waste places and on roadsides from Canada throughout the United States. The plant has erect, slender stems, large, prickly-edged leaves and heads of tiny yellow flowers that may grow to six feet in height. Called Compass Plant by some (because it turns its leaves to the sun during the day), it thrives in well-drained, dry, alkaline soil in sun; and Wild Lettuce is the ancestor of all lettuce plants. Its use as a medicine may be traced back to ancient times, and even the Roman Emperor, Augustus, was said to build a statue of his physician, who had prescribed the herb for him and cured him of a serious disease in its honor. It was used as a sedative and pain reliever, and the Romans even used it to prevent inebriation. Wild Lettuce entered medical practice as a sedative in the eighteenth century as an adulterate opium because of its similar, but non-addictive, effects; and new mothers once used it to promote lactation. It is a very bitter, sedative herb that continued to be an opium substitute into the nineteenth century and was sometimes called a "poor man's opium" with mild psychotropic effects. Although it is extremely bitter with an unpleasant smell, Wild Lettuce is loved by horses, and some people do cook it as a vegetable and use it in salads. When dried, the leaves produce a milky latex substance called lactucarium, which is used in herbal medicine. Some of the constituents in Wild Lettuce include the important milky latex substance (lactucarium), sesquiterpene lactones ( lactucopicrin), caoutchouc, mannitol, lactucin, fiber, coumarins and valuable minerals and vitamins.

Wild Lettuce is considered a mild sedative herb. The lactucarium in the leaves is considered mildly narcotic (without being addictive and harsh on the digestive system) and has often been used to induce sleep, as well as treat insomnia and hyperactivity in children. Because it is soothing to the digestive system, it has also been helpful for colic.

In addition, Wild Lettuce Leaf is used as a "nervine," or agent that strengthens the functional activity of nervous system, which may have either sedative or stimulating effects. The herb is used to calm restlessness, anxiety, severe nervous disorders and neuroses.

Wild Lettuce is believed to be an herbal expectorant that has been effective in easing bronchitis, asthma and dry, irritating coughs by helping to loosen and expel phlegm from the respiratory tract.

Regarded as a diuretic, Wild Lettuce helps to promote and increase urine flow and is said to help in cases of urinary tract infections and dropsy (edema), which is the accumulation of fluid in tissues (swelling) or body cavities.

Wild Lettuce is considered an anodyne and has been used to relieve pain, particularly muscular pain and the joint pain of arthritis. It is also thought to relieve painful monthly periods.

Wild Lettuce Leaf is said to soothe inflamed mucous membranes and ease the digestive system. It is said to relieve colic.

As an antispasmodic, Wild Lettuce Leaf has been used to alleviate cramps, irritating coughs and spasms.

Recommended Dosage:
Take one (1) capsule, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.

Contraindications:
Wild Lettuce Leaf Herbal Supplement should not be used in conjunction with prescription diuretics. The herb may cause drowsiness; however, when used in excess (many times the recommended dosage), it causes restlessness. Overuse (many time the recommended dosage) may cause slow breathing, severe tiredness, passing out, loss of consciousness, and because Wild Lettuce contains sesquiterpene lactones, it may be associated with allergic reactions, i.e., skin rash. Because Wild Lettuce is said to contain coumarins, those taking prescription blood thinners should speak with their physicians before using this herb.

Capsule Information:
Our Wild Lettuce Leaf supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules.(click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs."

Special Note:
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Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Herbal Extracts Plus is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.