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Lactuca Virosa
(Wild Lettuce, Opium Lettuce)
Lactuca Virosa, wild lettuce, is a biennial
herb growing to a maximum height of 6 feet. The erect
stem of Lactuca Virosa springs from a brown tap-root
and is smooth and pale green, sometimes spotted with
purple. The numerous, large, radical leaves are from
6 to 18 inches long.
The Ancients held the Wild Lettuce in high
esteem. The Emperor Augustus attributed his recovery
from life-threatening illness to Opium Lettuce; built
an altar and erected a statue in its honor. The Native
Americans used Lactuca Virosa as a mild relaxant and
pain reliever. Though not as powerful as Opium, the
whole plant is rich in a milky juice which contains
opiate-like alkaloids.
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