Herb of the Month - June: Wild Lettuce
Wild Lettuce: Nature’s Muscle Relaxer
Welcome to June’s Herb of the Month, where I share the wild wonders I’m working with and loving lately.
This month?
Wild Lettuce: a plant that’s quietly powerful, surprisingly calming, and deeply connected to rest and relief.
🌱 What Is Wild Lettuce?
Also known as Lactuca virosa, wild lettuce looks a bit like a weedy cousin of your salad greens, but don’t be fooled. This plant has been used for centuries as a natural sedative and pain reliever, sometimes even called “opium lettuce” (though it doesn’t contain opiates).
It grows wild in many parts of the U.S., especially along sunny roadsides and open fields. The leaves are tall, spiny, and milky when cut, hence the name "lettuce."
🔍 How to Identify Wild Lettuce:
Height: Can grow up to 6 feet tall.
Leaves: Large, jagged-edged, and sometimes spiny underneath.
Stem: Hollow and emits a white milky sap when broken.
Flowers: Tiny yellow dandelion-like blooms (later in the season)
Location: Fields, ditches, roadsides, anywhere sunny and undisturbed.
Tip: Always use a plant ID guide or app when foraging. If you’re not 100% sure, don’t harvest it.
💆♀️ How I Used It (and Loved It)
I foraged wild lettuce, gently soaked the leaves, and simmered them into a tea. Let me tell you, it was magic. (My how to video can be found on my tiktok @RubyRoseApothecary)
Within 30 minutes of taking one teaspoon, the stress in my body melted away. My mind slowed, my limbs relaxed, and I drifted into one of the best sleeps I’ve had in a long time. No grogginess, no weird dreams, just deep, natural rest.
🍵 Ways to Use Wild Lettuce:
Tea: Steep dried leaves in hot water for 15 to 20 minutes. (It’s bitter but effective!)
Tincture: Made by soaking leaves in alcohol for several weeks.
Infused Oil or Salve: For sore muscles; often combined with herbs like arnica or comfrey.
Smoking: Used traditionally, but not my personal go-to.
⚠️ A Few Warnings:
Wild lettuce isn’t for everyone and should be used with care:
Avoid while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Start small, especially with tinctures
Can cause nausea or dizziness in high amounts.
Always check with a healthcare provider if you’re on medication or have medical conditions.
🌸 Final Thoughts
Wild Lettuce reminded me how powerful simple herbs can be when used with intention. It’s not flashy or trendy, but it’s deeply soothing. And this month, it helped me reconnect with sleep and softness in a beautiful way.
Let me know if you've tried it 🌿
With Wildflowers + Love,
Kristen, CEO
Ruby + Rose Apothecary