Wild Lettuce

Natures low key pain relief

I remember going out one summer searching for wild lettuce, also known as “Opium lettuce”, but I couldn’t find any. I thought it never grew where I lived until 3 days ago, when I spotted some two minutes from my home. I realised it was always there; what was off was timing.

Known in some mythology as a plant of transition, especially in the area between wakefulness and sleep. Wild lettuce is still used today for its natural sleep support because of its sedative properties.

For those of you who have trouble sleeping, maybe even experiencing disturbing dreams, this powerhouse from ancient times was used to prevent the user from having them. Helping with more peaceful sleep.

Another area of great renown we see in Greek mythology. The story where Aphrodite lays her lover, Adonis, on a bed of lettuce after he dies. Adonis was an incredibly handsome man, but his beauty was short-lived, after sadly, he was killed by a boar. Lettuce grows very fast but wilts just as quickly, with the ability to rebirth when it changes into seed form. The symbolism here is life and death or even death and rebirth.

Wild lettuce is often used to promote relaxation in stressful times. I’m sure many have seen through videos and online posts, its pain relief abilities. Especially in muscles and joints.

As a plant, it’s an all rounder for its wonderful medicinal properties. It can be taken in tincture or extract form and is also delicious as a tea.

Do not like the taste? Have you tried it in homeopathic potency? Keynote’s being the following:

Sleep disturbances

Mental overstimulation with difficulty switching off

Dry coughs which are worse at night time

Feelings of nervous tension with exhaustion

Plants show up in our lives or grow in our gardens when they are useful to us. So, if you see some on your walks or frolicking in nature, maybe just maybe, the plant called you.

Thanks for reading

Elona

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