(Lactuca virosa) aka - Opium Lettuce, Prickly Lettuce, Horse Thistle, Compass Plant

Wild Lettuce was considered an opium substitute well into the 19th century. Once known as “poor man’s opium,” its also called compass plant because its leaves turn to follow the sun. It’s bitter to people but horses delight in it. Wild Lettuce is effectively used against whopping cough but is also known for bringing relief to those suffering from bronchitis. Wild Lettuce increases the flow of urine and soothes sore, inflamed, mucus membranes and chapped skin. It is used to induce sleep and treat severe nervous disorders. It exhibits a mild sedative effect, which relieves pain, insomnia, cramps, urinary tract infections, bronchitis, and the pain of arthritis.

Primary uses:  Here are just a few of the maladies Wild Lettuce may provide relief for:

• Bronchitis
• Cramps
• Nervous Disorders
• Chronic Pain
• Urinary Tract Infections
• Whooping Cough
• Spasms