What is Wild Lettuce?

Wild lettuce refers to the more bitter relatives of common garden lettuce. These plants have been used in various traditional preparations, including herbal infusions, soaps, and botanical extracts. It’s commonly used to ease physical discomfort and support relaxation. The most common species of wild lettuce include Lactuca biennis, Lactuca virosa, Lactuca canadensis, and Lactuca serriola. Unlike Lactuca sativa (cultivated garden lettuce), wild lettuces are naturally more bitter due to their higher concentration of bioactive compounds. The milky sap found in all lettuce varieties—historically called lactucarium or "lettuce opium"—is especially abundant in wild species.

Lactuca Virosa: A Unique Wild Lettuce

In the United States, Lactuca virosa is less common but has been historically valued for its distinct properties. This biennial plant forms large rosettes in its first year and can grow up to three meters tall when it flowers in its second season. A single plant can produce up to 80,000 seeds! However, growing wild lettuce can be challenging, as its seeds may remain dormant for years before sprouting. We also use Lactuca serriola, which is excellent for making tinctures and contains different proportions of the bioactive compounds. Virosa has the advantage of being stronger, as well has a more complex flavor and aroma. A good virosa tincture will have an almost reddish auburn color to it, whilst serriola will have a more brown color with hints of redder tones.

Wild Lettuce in History and Mythology

The use of wild lettuce stretches back thousands of years, even into prehistory. Ancient civilizations recognized its significance, and it appears in historical records and mythology.

One of the earliest known references comes from Ancient Egypt, where the god Min—a deity associated with fertility and sacred plants—was often depicted with stalks of wild lettuce behind him. The Egyptians even held an annual festival in his honor. To this day, lettuce seed oil remains a traditional ingredient in Egyptian wellness practices, including massage and cooking.

The Sumerians also knew of this plant, as evidenced by ancient hymns and cylinder scrolls. Additionally, Göbekli Tepe in modern-day Turkey, one of the oldest known temples (dating back 12,000 years), features depictions of a deity resembling Min, further connecting wild lettuce to early human civilization.

During the Roman Empire, Emperor Augustus was said to have recovered from an illness after consuming wild lettuce infusions. Wild lettuce has appeared throughout history in traditional herbal practices and was even part of 19th-century botanical commerce, particularly in the form of lactucarium.

For more insight into wild lettuce, check out Jesse's videos at Feral Foraging:

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Join Us on Our Journey

We invite you to explore our site, where we share our passion for wild lettuce through articles, research, and historical insights. We’re also excited to stock our shop with skillfully crafted products, made with care and dedication.

Check back for updates as we continue to expand our offerings and share new discoveries!

Thank you for visiting, and enjoy your time here!