Wild Lettuce Extract Powder

Wild Lettuce Extract Powder is a concentrated extract powder of wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa), particularly processed to preserve the plant's natural state, a convenient way to experience this old European bitter herb. It mixes into water, juice or tea and can be capsuled. It is offered in 5g, 1oz, 2oz, 4oz, Pound and Kilo sizes.

At a glance

• Concentrated extract powder of wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
• Not standardized to a stated lactucin percentage
• Concentrates lactucin, lactucopicrin and related bitter sesquiterpene lactones
• Mixes into water, juice or tea, and can be capsuled
• Mellow, body-focused calm for the end of the day, stronger than the tea
• Offered in 5g, 1oz, 2oz, 4oz, Pound and Kilo

The herb. Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a bitter, tall-growing biennial of the daisy family, Asteraceae, native to Europe and naturalized in North America. When its stem is cut it bleeds a white latex that dries into a brown mass called lactucarium, sold by Victorian pharmacists as lettuce opium though the plant contains no opiate alkaloids. Its character comes from the sesquiterpene lactones lactucin and lactucopicrin, plus flavonoids and coumarins.

Active content. As a whole-plant extract, this powder concentrates lactucin, lactucopicrin and related bitter sesquiterpene lactones alongside the other constituents. We do not standardize it to a stated lactucin percentage. Lactucin and lactucopicrin are the compounds associated with the plant's relaxing, body-focused reputation and its pronounced bitterness.

Dosage, first time. Mix ¼ to ½ teaspoon with water, juice or tea. Take a small dose first, at the lower end, and adjust accordingly. Try it in the evening with nowhere to drive, and wait a couple of hours before judging.

Regular use. Once you know your response, stay within the ¼ to ½ teaspoon range at a consistent amount. Capsuling a measured serving keeps things repeatable and avoids the bitterness. For the thicker format, see our Wild Lettuce Resin, for the gentlest, our Organic Wild Lettuce Loose Leaf Tea.

What to expect. Users describe a mellow, body-focused calm, heaviness in the limbs and a quieter mind, noticeably stronger than the tea and suited to the end of the day. It suits people who found the tea too gentle. It is not a daytime product.

Side effects. Drowsiness is the intended character, so keep it for the evening. Too much can cause dizziness, nausea, dry mouth, sweating and dilated pupils, if any of those show up, reduce the dose or stop. Ragweed-allergic people may react.

Interactions and cautions. Do not combine with alcohol, sedative or tranquilizing medications, or other relaxing botanicals without guidance from a healthcare professional. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking it. Not for use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you take any medication.

Ingredients and storage. Wild Lettuce Extract Powder (Lactuca virosa). Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dry, dark place, extract powders draw moisture and clump.

Common questions

• How much wild lettuce extract powder should I take the first time? Start at the low end of ¼ to ½ teaspoon and wait before adjusting.
• How does wild lettuce extract powder compare with the loose leaf tea? The powder is a concentrate, so a small measured serving is stronger than a full cup of the leaf.
• Does wild lettuce extract powder taste bad? It is strongly bitter, which is why many people capsule it or stir it into juice.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Wild lettuce is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.