Part 2 of 2
The simplest and most traditional method is as a tea.
Ingredients
- 1–2 teaspoons of dried leaves
- 1 cup of hot (not boiling) water
Preparation
- Steep for 10–15 minutes
- Strain and drink slowly, ideally in the evening
- Limit to one cup per day and monitor how your body responds
Harvesting at Home
Wild lettuce can be gathered, but careful handling is important:
- Harvest young leaves before the plant flowers
- Wear gloves, as the stems can be prickly
- Wash leaves thoroughly
- Dry them in the shade until they become crisp
Precautions to Keep in Mind
- Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Do not combine with sedatives, alcohol, or prescribed medications without professional advice
- Use sparingly, as part of a balanced approach to well-being
A Plant Worth Rediscovering
Dismissed for too long as a mere weed, Lactuca serriola deserves recognition as part of traditional herbal wisdom. It represents the kind of simple, accessible remedy that earlier generations valued—effective when used with respect and caution.
Sometimes, calm really can come from something as modest as a forgotten blade of grass.
12
