Paleo Foraging

Lactuca serriola L.

Synonyms: = L. scariola

Common names: Prickly lettuce, compass plant

Navajo:‘azee’xokhánii’łipáhíkíih – “medicine, rising in tiers (the stems), gray” (Elmore 1944:88)

Form: herb; biennial, perennial.

Experimentation

I regularly use this species as a soporific. I take a large amount of the cut-up foliage, either fresh or dried, place it in a pot of water, and simmer it for 10 to 20 minutes on low (not boiling, but with bubbles visible on the bottom of the pot. I use enough plant matter to yield an infusion that is dark and almost opaque. I drink about a pint of that before bedtime on an empty stomach. It is an excellent facilitator of sleep. It also induces vivid dreams.

I have tried using the dried latex as a tea or for smoking, but find the above method easier and more effective.

Lactuca canadensis has similar properties, and while I have not found it in person yet, can most likely be used in the same way. L. canadensis was eaten as greens by the Cherokee (Banks 1953:131) and its sap was rubbed on poison ivy rashes for relief by the Menominee (Smith 1923:26).

I have also used L. serriola as greens many times. But I find it a bit too bitter fresh, or acceptable in small amounts when using the youngest leaves. It is far better cooked. If it is parboiled or boiled, this removes much of the bitterness.