Herb of the Week: Wild Lettuce

Do you know wild lettuce? It's often confused with dandelion leaves so if you're going to go out looking for it, make sure you know what you're looking for. But, what is this wild-growing leafy plant good for? Mainly, it's a pain reliever and a mild sedative therefore classifying this plant as a nervine (a plant that soothes and supports the nervous system). It's also been used to help with asthma and coughs due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Look for this in headache tinctures or menstrual cramps tinctures to help with the pain relief as well as teas or tinctures that help open respiration.

This plant's Latin name is lactuca virosa but when you search online for wild lettuce, you're bound to get its cousin "prickly lettuce" (Latin name is lactuca serriola) but don't let the internet trick you into thinking that they're both the same because they're not! The lactuca virosa is the one with a milky latex that contains the power of the nervine benefits.

Magically, this herb can be used in a variety of spells and rituals. Use it for dreamwork (because of its relaxing qualities) and for protection from nightmares. This herb is linked with Saturn so it's work in karma spells is a good choice. This herb also assists in spiritual journeying, enhances psychic abilities, helps with releasing grief, for cleansing rituals, any baneful magic, and it's also an anti-aphrodisiac (do with that what you may).

Hope you enjoyed this quick information on wild lettuce - have a great week!