Wild lettuce - Lactuca virosa
a plant that calms the mind, is also called stink lettuce, poison lettuce or stink salad, is related to lettuce, from the daisy family (Asteraceae).
The leaves and the dried milk juice of the wild lettuce, the lactucarium, are used as an old-known remedy for calming until 100 years ago and until recently forgotten.
It is found everywhere in Germany and Austria.
Attention.
Collecting in nature is only for those in the know! There is a danger of confusion, because other wild plants look similar to it. Please read carefully at Wikipedia.
Lactuca virosa has long been used as a sedative and painkiller. The plant does not contain any opiates, but is often used that way, but without being addictive. It can help better sleep and pleasant dreams and relieve restlessness and nervousness.
It is very popular especially for its aphrodisiac properties.
Caution with dosage:
Use only in small doses, otherwise nausea and headache may occur.
Use as a tea
Further crush (mortar) the cut wild lettuce leaves and prepare as a tea: add 1-2 teaspoons to 1 l of boiling water and simmer/steep for 15 minutes. Drink 3 cups throughout the day.
Sweeten with erythritol or even better probiotic with yacon syrup.
Always prepare fresh!
Preparation as extract
Prepare 100 grams of Lactuca Virosa in warm water and let it steep for 8 hours, then strain and squeeze. Squeeze out the juice completely with the help of a cloth. Boil this dark liquid in a pot in a water bath and let it evaporate completely. A kind of resin remains.
