Wild Lettuce vs Bai He

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Wild Lettuce

Lactuca virosa

Nervine

Lilium lancifolium

Nervine

Wild Lettuce

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Bai He

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

European herb with mild sedative properties sometimes called lettuce opium due to its white latex. Much milder than opiates and non-addictive.

A TCM herb that nourishes lung yin and calms the heart-mind, used for cough and anxiety.

Active Compounds

lactucin, lactucopicrin, lactucone, flavonoids

colchicine, regaogenin, tuliposides, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Treating insomnia, Relieving mild pain, Calming coughs, Treating anxiety

lung yin deficiency, cough, anxiety, insomnia

Modern Uses

Sleep support, Mild pain relief, Cough suppression, Relaxation

demulcent, anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory

Adult Dosage

1-3g dried herb or 1-2ml tincture

9-30g daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Nursing, Glaucoma, Prostate enlargement, Allergy to lettuce family

cold conditions

Side Effects

Drowsiness, Dizziness, Nausea, Allergic reactions

generally well tolerated

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E