1. Foraged Form (Raw or Dried)
Harvest young leaves and stems in spring or early summer, before the plant flowers.
Wear gloves, as the prickles can irritate the skin.
Rinse well under cool water to remove dirt and insects.
Dry the leaves in a shaded area with good airflow until crisp.
2. Wild Lettuce Tea (Calming and Digestive)
Ingredients:
1–2 teaspoons of dried Lactuca serriola leaves
1 cup of hot (not boiling) water
Instructions:
Add the dried leaves to a tea infuser or directly into a cup.
Pour hot water over the leaves and let steep for 10–15 minutes.
Strain and sip slowly. Drink only once per day to assess your body’s response.
🟡 Tip: The taste is very bitter. You may add mint, ginger, or a small amount of honey to improve flavor.
3. Homemade Wild Lettuce Tincture (Stronger Sedative Effect)
Ingredients:
Fresh wild lettuce sap or chopped leaves/stems
80–100 proof vodka or food-grade alcohol
Instructions:
Chop 1 cup of wild lettuce (fresh leaves or sap).
Place in a glass jar and cover with enough alcohol to fully submerge the plant.
Seal and store in a dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking every few days.
Strain and pour the liquid into a dark dropper bottle.
How to Use:
Take 5–10 drops under the tongue or mixed in water before bedtime.
Do not exceed 15 drops in 24 hours without consulting a health professional.
4. Making Wild Lettuce Resin (Traditional Homemade Painkiller)
Instructions:
Collect mature wild lettuce sap (the white milk that oozes from broken stems).
Let it dry naturally on a plate in the sun until it becomes dark and sticky.
Scrape it and store in a small glass container.
How to Use:
Take a rice grain-sized piece and let it dissolve under your tongue.
Effective for pain and sleep support, but do not overuse.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only. Although Lactuca serriola has been used in traditional remedies, it can be very potent and may interact with medications or pre-existing health conditions. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before trying any new herbal treatment, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have underlying health issues.
wild lettuce natural remedies tea tincture
Do not exceed recommended dosages, and never use wild herbs without proper identification and preparation. Misuse can lead to dizziness, nausea, or more serious side effects.
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