Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
If you’re exploring natural or herbal remedies, wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a plant worth learning about. Sometimes called “opium lettuce,” it’s known for its calming, sedative-like properties without any actual opioids.
Historically, it’s been used to help relieve pain, reduce anxiety, soothe coughs, and improve sleep. Today, many homesteaders and herbal enthusiasts use wild lettuce to make tinctures, an alcohol-based herbal extract, for these same benefits.
Wild lettuce grows in many areas and can even be eaten raw or cooked like spinach. While the research is still developing, some studies suggest wild lettuce may have effects similar to over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen. And best of all, it’s completely free if you forage it yourself.
This tutorial from Ann’s Tiny Life and Homestead on YouTube walks you through how to harvest wild lettuce and make a simple tincture at home. You can watch the video and read the instructions below.
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Disclaimer: Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider before using any herbal or natural medicine, especially if you have health conditions or take medications.
What You’ll Need
- Fresh wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa)
- Quart-size glass jar with lid
- 100-proof vodka (or 80-proof, with a longer steep time)
- Sharp scissors or knife
- Gloves (optional, but helpful for handling sticky latex)
- Small dark glass bottles for storage
- Label and pen
Step-by-Step: Making Wild Lettuce Tincture
1. Identify and Harvest Wild Lettuce
Look for wild lettuce plants in your area, especially around roadsides, fields, or even your backyard. It typically has long, spiny leaves and produces a sticky white latex when you break the stem or leaves. Try to harvest plants of varying ages since there’s debate about when the plant is most potent.
To harvest, pull the plant up by the roots, then trim off the lower portion (roots and base of the stem) unless you want to experiment with using the whole plant. Remove any leaves that are spotted or unhealthy.
Tip: Wear gloves when handling. The latex is very sticky.
2. Chop the Lettuce and Fill the Jar
Chop the stems and leaves into small pieces using scissors or a knife. Fill your quart-size jar with the plant material, but don’t pack it tightly. A loose fill allows the alcohol to better penetrate the material.
3. Add the Alcohol
Pour 100-proof vodka over the plant material until the jar is completely full, covering all plant parts. Fill it to the top to prevent oxidation. (If you're using 80-proof vodka, allow a longer steeping time, at least 8–10 weeks.)
Ann recommends checking the jar daily for the first few days to make sure no air bubbles form or that the alcohol level hasn’t dropped. Top it off if needed.
4. Seal, Label, and Store
Seal the jar with the lid. Finger-tight is fine. Label it with the date and contents. Store the jar in a cool, dark place for 6 to 8 weeks. Shake it gently every few days to encourage extraction.
5. Strain and Bottle
After the tincture has steeped, strain out the plant material using a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth. Transfer the liquid into dark amber glass bottles to protect it from light.
6. Use Carefully and Consult a Professional
Wild lettuce tincture is potent. Dosage depends on your body, what you’re using it for, and how strong your tincture turns out. Most people start with just a few drops in water or tea. It’s best to work with an experienced herbalist or medical provider to find the right amount for you.
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