Flora Palaestina Ethnobotany

florapal.org

Family

Asteraceae (Compositae)

Synonym(s)

Lactuca scariola L.

English name(s)

Prickly Lettuce

Hebrew Name(s)

khasat ha-matzpen

חַסַּת הַמַּצְפֵּן

Arabic Name(s)

khas al-zait خس الزيت
khas barri خس بري
khas el-baqar خَس البقر
khas el-himar خس الحمار
lubbein لبين

Life Form

Annual

Habitat

Disturbed habitats
Nutrient-rich soils
ruderal

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Medicinal Complaints / Uses

Lactuca serriola L.

System/State	Traditional Complaint/Use	Activity / Interpretation	Traditional Preparation/ Administration	Parts Used	Source
Dermatological	Antiseptic for skin lesions	Antiseptic	1. Use juice of the plant, as a salve 2. Decoct plant in water & use as a hot compress locally.	Aerial parts	Z
Dermatological	Skin fungi, acne & scabies	Anti-acne, Anti-fungal, Scabicide	Apply milky juice of the plant to skin.	Latex	Z
Dermatological	Warts	Anti-Infective	Grind leaves & aerial parts & apply as poultice to affected area.	Aerial parts	B
Gastrointestinal	Haemorrhoids	Anti-haemorrhoidal	Grind leaves & aerial parts & apply as poultice to affected area.	Aerial parts	B
Mental health	Madness or black bile [/depression]	Anti-depressant, Anti-psychotic	Hang leaves on the patient as a good luck charm.	Leaf	Z
Oral Health	Toothache	Analgesic	1.Cook raw leaves & rinse mouth out with the water. 2.Chew raw leaves.	Leaf	Z
Ritual /Ceremonial	Against the evil eye	Ritual	Hang leaves on the patient as a good luck charm.	Leaf	Z

Notes

Cautions

Lactuca genus has some species which may contain sesquiterpenelactone which is allergenic. Contraindicated in benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) & glaucoma. Overdose can cause depressed respiration, dizziness, mydriasis, stupor, tachycardia, tinnitus & death. Grazing on immature wild lettuce by cattle & sheep etc. can cause sickness.

The authors of FLORAPALE, (Flora Palaestina Ethnobotanical) web site do not take responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants described here. Always seek advice from a health professional before using a plant medicinally or for other purposes. See DISCLAIMER.