Wild Lettuce Leaf

Wild lettuce leaf is a traditional botanical derived from Lactuca virosa, long valued in European and North American herbal traditions. Naturally containing bitter compounds such as lactucin and lactucopicrin, wild lettuce has been historically used for its calming and relaxing qualities. Available in both cut and powdered forms, it offers versatility for teas, tinctures, and herbal preparations. Its mild, earthy bitterness makes it a popular addition to herbal blends designed to support rest and overall relaxation.

UPC: 810206318195, 810206318201, 810206318218 & 810206318225.

Origin(s): Albania, Croatia, United States.

Latin Name(s): Lactuca canadensis, Lactuca virosa.

Also known as: Lettuce Opium.

Plant Part(s) Used: Leaf.

Herbs exhibit natural variations in their size, color, smell, and taste, with each batch and harvest showing differences influenced by environmental conditions and genetics.

Appearance: Green.

Aroma: Leafy.

Taste: Bitter.

GMO Status: Non-GMO.

Allergen: None.

Additives: Free of any additives or preservatives.

Applications / Preparations: Wild Lettuce Leaf, in both cut and powdered forms, may be used for herbal teas, tinctures, extracts, capsules, and topical preparations. Preparation methods vary depending on the form selected. Because external uses vary widely, customers should research reliable sources for preparation and usage methods.

Internal Use - Cut
Adults may take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 1–4 g/day).

To prepare as a tea, pour 8–12 fl. oz. of boiling water over 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (approximately 1–2 g) of Cut. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes, then strain and serve. Enjoy 1–2 cups daily.

Internal Use - Powder
Adults may take 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 0.5–1 g) once or twice daily (totaling roughly 1–2 g/day).

Capsules: For encapsulation, follow capsule machine manufacturer instructions. One teaspoon of powder is approximately 2 g, though weight may vary by density.

Powder in beverages/foods: Mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon (approximately 0.5–1 g) of powder into 8 fl. oz (240 ml) of water, juice, or blended into a smoothie. Stir or blend thoroughly and consume immediately.

External Use (Cut or Powder)
Wild Lettuce Leaf, in both cut and powdered forms, may be used in poultices, compresses, infused oils, or salves. Because external uses vary widely, we encourage customers to research the best method and proportions for their needs.

Both cut and powdered Wild Lettuce Leaf may be brewed into teas, decoctions, or herbal infusions; blended into tinctures, extracts, or syrups; encapsulated; mixed into smoothies, juices, or other beverages; incorporated into herbal blends; infused into oils or alcohol-based preparations; and included in DIY skincare or topical applications such as salves, balms, compresses, or poultices.

Storage: Store in a sealed container in a cool, dry place.

Shelf Life: It is very difficult to pin down an exact expiration date for most single herbs as they do not really expire, they lose potency or strength over time but will still have value. Unlike synthetic material or drugs, herbs can contain many constituents that contribute to their medicinal effects. Even if when we know what the active constituents are, there are often many of them in a single herb, each with different rates of degradation. Some herbs lose their effect more easily. Other herbs that possess more stable compounds such as alkaloids or steroids will last much longer.

A huge part of the degradation rate of herbs depends also on the storage conditions of the herb, & even on the quality of the herb before storage – how it was grown, harvested, dried & processed. If the product is left in hot places or open to sunlight then it will degrade much quicker than if it was stored in cool, dry place & sealed tightly.

A good rule of thumb is that herbs should be stored no longer than 2-3 years, but many herbs will have great strength much longer than that. To determine if an herb is still good you can check the appearance & aroma. Herbs that are no longer acceptable will have lost much of its vibrant color & will instead appear dull & faded. The bigger key though is to smell the raw materials to see if the potent aroma is still present. 

Warning: No known precautions. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medications, or have a medical condition.