Asteraceae (Compositae)
Annual
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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 |
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. |
Leaf | Z |
| Ritual /Ceremonial | Against the evil eye |
Ritual | Hang leaves on the patient as a good luck charm. |
Leaf | Z |
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.
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 - https://florapal.org/disclaimer/
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.
