Wild lettuce relates to traditional lettuce and is one of the several varieties of certain species of the Lactuca genus. Wild lettuce leaves are consumed as a vegetable salad and possess mild analgesic properties. Before the advancement of medical science, it was common for physicians to use wild lettuce leaves as an effective painkiller( Thanks to compounds like lactucopicrin and lactucin in wild lettuce), and as an opium alternative.
Wild lettuce is known by some other names such as opium lettuce, great lettuce, butter lettuce, and tall lettuce. Being a biennial plant, it completes its biological cycle in two years. Wild lettuce was originated in Europe and Asia, but later got introduced to America and other regions of the world. At present, wild lettuce grows extensively in coastal regions of Great Britain, Central and Southern Asia, some regions of south-east and east of England, wild regions of Australia, and in regions of Punjab in India and Pakistan. Being an excellent source of essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and dietary fibers, etc, wild lettuce provides many health and beauty benefits.
# Improves Respiratory HealthWild lettuce leaves improve our respiratory health as their antitussive properties reduce irritation in the lungs and bronchial tubes. This provides relief from whooping cough and asthma. Eating wild lettuce leaves as salad combats against the symptoms of bronchial asthma and allergy.
Vitamin C in wild lettuce is a powerful antioxidant that protects our respiratory system from free radical damage. Vitamin A in wild lettuce reduces lung inflammation and relieves bronchial asthma.
# Relieves Migraine And HeadacheThe sedative properties of wild lettuce help in providing relief from migraine (constant and recurring headaches that usually affects the half region of the head)To get relief from migraine, enjoy a cup of freshly brewed wild lettuce tea before bedtime.
# Wild Lettuce For Pain ReliefWild lettuce is a natural pain killer because of the presence of pain-relieving chemical compounds like lactucopicrin and lactucin. Wild lettuce soothes our nervous system and effects similar to that of morphine. It is beneficial for joint pain, colic, arthritis, muscle pain, and uterine cramps.
Vitamin C in wild lettuce is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compound that protects from free radical damage and also provides relief from pain and inflammation. It is beneficial against inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, gouts, rheumatism, and rheumatoid, etc.
# Improves Physiological HealthUnmanaged stress can hurt our physical, mental, and emotional health. It can increase the risk of health problems such as asthma, obesity, depression, diabetes, headache, depression, gastrointestinal problems, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Wild lettuce provides relief from stress and anxiety because of its mild sedative properties. It calms our nervous system and makes us feel better.Magnesium and B vitamins in wild lettuce relax our nerves and help in managing stress.
# Provides Relief From Urinary Tract InfectionsDrinking wild lettuce tea or enjoying wild lettuce leaves as salad provides relief from urinary tract infection because of its diuretic properties.
It increases the frequency and flow of urination and encourages our body to flush out toxins and other unwanted substances from our body.Vitamin C protects the urinary tract from free radical damage, and also reduces urinary tract inflammation.
# Aids In Cholesterol ManagementWild lettuce aids in managing cholesterol as the dietary fibers in them reduce LDL cholesterol and reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Atherosclerosis is a condition that leads to the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of plaque and fat deposits within n the arterial walls. It can give rise to cardiovascular problems like heart attack, heart stroke, and coronary artery disease. Vitamin C in wild lettuce protects our cardiovascular system from free radical damage.