Wild lettuce has analgesic effects but it can also be toxic. It is typically eaten as a salad but can also be applied topically.
Botanical name: Lactuca virosa
The plant contains a white, milky sap called lactuarium, which contains lactucic acid, lactucin, lactucopicrin, lactocerine and hyoscyamine.
Effects when eaten in moderation:
(1) analgesia
(2) sedation
(3) diuresis
(4) laxative
(5) spasmolytic
(6) cough suppressant
Toxic effects can occur if an excessive amount is ingested:
(1) mydriasis
(2) photophobia
(3) dizziness
(4) diapheresis
(5) anxiety or agitation
(6) auditory hallucinations
(7) urinary retention
(8) nausea
(9) abdominal cramps
(10) cardiac arrhythmias
(11) sympathetic overactivity
Some people have tried to extract the plant for its narcotic activity, then injected the solution intravenously. The result was a range of adverse effects include pain, fever and chills without any narcotic effect.
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