Hi Carol and Lactnetters,

Lactuca virosa and 3 other species of wild lettuce list in Bingel and
Farnsworth's extensive collection of galactogogues - use reported in England (
boiled and eaten), the USA and Canada ( tea), including use by indiginous
peoples.  No dose information listed in this article ( In: Economic and
Medicinal Plant Research Vol 6, Wagner & Farnsworth, AP, 1994).

The Botanical Safety Handbook (McGuffin et al) classes wild lettuce as 1: a
herb that can be safely consumed when used appropriately.  ( This book, by the
way, classes a large number of herbs and has a specific category for lactation
where cautions would be reported, and fairly reliably.  The authors,
unfortunately, did not consider a herb's potential to alter lactation in their
safety concerns).

Newall et al. 1996 ( previously alluded to in another post by - Herbal
Medicines, a guide to the health care professionals-) did point out that as
this plant is in the Compositae family, that allergy is possible - the authors
finger sesquiterpene lactones - occupational dermatitis as well as uticaria
from consumption of leaves reported.  Reading their information, it is clear
that not a lot of work has been done with this plant.  LD50s are not
established/reported here.  A dose-related sedative to flaccid paralytic
effect was noted with toads.  No other animal studies seem to have been
carried out as yet.  Livestock poisoning involving large amounts of plant
material, is noted.  However, "Only the immature plants are reported to be
toxic."

Dose listed by Newall et al. - 0.5-3.0 g. dried leaves by infusion 3X/day.,
dried latex (Lactucarium) 0.3-1.0 g. 3X/day for restlessness, etc.
"Traditionally, it has been used for insomnia, restlessness, and excitability
in children..."

Penelope Ody ( Complete Medicinal Herbal 199) does see fit to include the
observation that "excess use can lead to insomnia and increased sexual
activity [!]; lower doses can cause sleepiness, so avoid if driving."

Use as lactogogue not listed in this or a number of other herb texts.  Curious
to know if Lactuca's use as lactogogue inspired by it's milky white sap?

Sheila Humphrey
BSc(Botany)  RN  IBCLC
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