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Wild Lettuce |
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Wild Lettuce
WILD LETTUCE
(Lactuca virosa)
History and Folklore
Wild Lettuce, a relative of our common garden lettuce, once played an interesting role in ritual and medicine in ancient Egypt and Greece. In Egypt it was associated with the God Min, a fertility deity who has sometimes been compared with lusty Pan. During his festival a statue of the God was placed in a small patch of wild lettuce and carried around as part of the procession. The Egyptians used Wild Lettuce as an aphrodisiac, but warned that excessive use would dull the brain. The Greeks on the other hand used it as an anaphrodisiac and it was part of the staple diet for priests, presumably to cool their carnal appetites. Wild Lettuce was brought to the US early on and in 1792 a doctor from Philadelphia first wrote about the opium-like qualities of dried lettuce latex. At the time opium was still commonly used as medicine and henceforth dried lettuce juice has often been used to adulterate opium and opium containing medicines. More recently the herb has become popular as 'not-pot', a legal Marihuana substitute.
Medicinal Uses:
Today, Wild Lettuce is rarely used in herbal medicine, but in ancient times it was commonly employed as a relaxant sedative. It was said to be useful for insomnia, nervousness and anxiety. It is sometimes used to calm overexcited and restless children. It soothes a spasmodic cough and acts as a mild pain reliever. In ancient Greece it was regarded as an anaphrodisiac, while in Egypt it was used as an aphrodisiac. It was also used to treat sexual problems such as premature ejaculation and to prevent nocturnal emissions.
Magical Uses:
Wild Lettuce may be used in fertility rituals to honour the ancient Egyptian God Min or added to love potions. It may also be used as a meditation aid to help calm and centre the mind and to assist the practitioner on astral journeys and pathworkings.
BOTANICALS:
Plants nourish and feed us, add spice to our life, bestow health and beauty, scent and colour and brighten our days. They mediate love, hope and gratitude; they clothe and cleanse us, they heal and soothe our bodies, minds and souls. They touch every aspect of our existence, from our daily sustenance to the air we breathe, to the keys to other dimensions. They are the alchemists that turn sunlight into the green force of life, continuously revolving, restoring, rebirthing through the cycles of time. They truly are the greatest gift of nature, yet also the one we most take for granted.
Star Child’s range of botanicals derives from many regions and traditions of the world. We supply only the best quality herbs, using organically grown and sustainably harvested sources if available. The greater the demand for organic products the more readily they will become available. Your choice to buy and our commitment to supply organic herbs is part of the driving force that sows the seeds for a greener, healthier future.
USE:
There are dozens of ways in which herbs can be used. Many culinary herbs not only impart a great flavour but also have subtle effect on the digestive process. Other herbs are more medicinal than culinary and can be used as remedies, based on the wisdom of age old traditional plant knowledge. For more detailed information on the different types of preparations that can be made with herbs, please refer to the BOTANICALS USAGE section.
CAUTION
We support the notion of taking responsibility for one’s own well being and thus strive to make all herbs available for use at your own discretion. It should be noted however, that not all herbs are safe to use in all circumstances. Special cautions may apply when suffering from certain medical conditions, when taking synthetic prescription drugs and during pregnancy. Research and familiarize yourself with any herb you intend to use and make sure you are aware of all special cautions that may apply. The information given here is based on thousands of years of traditional use. It is intended for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace a visit to a medical professional where this is necessary.
If symptoms persist or re-occur, or if you are suffering from a serious medical condition, or if you are presently taking prescription drugs, we recommend that you consult a qualified doctor or practitioner before attempting to help yourself. Look for a practitioner/doctor who you can trust and who is prepared to explore natural health alternatives with you.
Pregnancy is a very special time. If chosen wisely herbs can give tremendous support throughout the entire process. However, due to the vulnerability and sensitivity of the unborn child it is especially important to make sure that the herbs you are using are safe. (This also applies during the time of breast-feeding as all substances ingested by the mother are processed and passed on with the mother’s milk). Many herbs may be useful during the latter stages of pregnancy or during labour, but could be dangerous during the first few months. Inform yourself - don’t risk regret.
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