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Introduction
Lactuca serriola, commonly known as wild lettuce, is far more than a weed in your backyard — it's a treasure trove of healing properties used for centuries in traditional medicine. Known for its pain-relieving and sedative effects, this plant has become a favorite among herbalists and natural health seekers alike. Whether infused into teas, tinctures, or salves, wild lettuce boasts a remarkable profile of 30 health benefits, from reducing inflammation to easing insomnia.
In this article, we’ll guide you through a basic recipe to extract wild lettuce's natural benefits in a simple, accessible way, while covering its uses, variations, and most commonly asked questions.
Ingredients: Wild Lettuce Herbal Extract (Tincture)
2 cups of fresh wild lettuce leaves and stems (or 1 cup dried)
2 cups of high-proof alcohol (vodka or grain alcohol, 40–60% ABV)
1 sterilized glass jar with tight-fitting lid
Cheesecloth or fine mesh strainer
Amber glass dropper bottles (for storage)
Directions
Harvest and Clean: Gather wild lettuce from a safe, pesticide-free location. Rinse gently to remove dirt and debris.
Chop and Prepare: Roughly chop the leaves and stems to expose more surface area.
Soak: Place the chopped plant into the sterilized jar. Pour the alcohol over the plant material until fully submerged.
Steep: Seal the jar tightly. Store in a cool, dark place for 4–6 weeks, shaking it once daily to aid extraction.
Strain: After the steeping period, strain the mixture using cheesecloth into a clean bowl.
Bottle: Pour the strained liquid into amber dropper bottles and label with the date.
Serving and Storage Tips
Dosage: Start with 10–15 drops under the tongue or diluted in water, 1–2 times per day. Adjust based on your body’s response.
Storage: Keep in a dark, cool place away from sunlight. Properly stored, the tincture can last for up to 2 years.
Usage Ideas: Add to warm herbal tea before bed, or apply a few drops to temples for tension relief.
Variations
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