Weed Killer

For killing pain that is.

I attended a first aid class at my church that was instructed by a veteran doctor who had practiced his skills in third world countries.  His slides were graphic and hammered home the need for being prepared for emergencies.  Part of that preparation is knowing about herbs and other plants that our grandmothers used.

One of those plants is a wild herb commonly known as wild lettuce.  It decided to come up ALL OVER my herb garden this summer.  Herbalists have a belief that if a plant grows in abundance near you, or if it comes up unexpectedly where it's never grown before YOU NEED IT!!

I'm going to try to get it in one place in the garden so I can at least show it to students.  Sometimes this works, sometimes it doesn't.  A wild herb goes where it wants, when it wants!

Wild lettuce has been traditionally used for pain for centuries.  I recently saw an article on the web that stated wild lettuce does not work and the author had pictures of BUTTER CRUNCH lettuce.  Ha Ha.  Enough said.

 

Wild Lettuce - Lactuca virosa

Wild lettuce can be prepared a number of ways; as a tincture, as a decoction, as a tea, as an herbal oil.

Tinctures: Make a tincture by stuffing a quart jar 3/4 full of herb and fill with 100 proof vodka then steep for six weeks.  Strain, bottle, label.   If you purchase tincture, just follow the label directions.

Tea: dry the leaves, crush and use 1 tsp:1 cup water.

Decoction: the liquor resulting from concentrating the essence of a substance by gently heating, especially a medicinal preparation made from a plant. NEVER BOIL. 

Watch this awesome video: Lost Ways: Wild Lettuce      The gentleman does an excellent job of teaching how to make a decoction--he calls it extract, which is ok, too. I love Lost Ways book; if you haven't read it - DO SO!!

Herbal oil:  THIS IS NOT ESSENTIAL OIL.   It is herbal infused oil.  Fill quart jar half full of DRIED plant material then fill with olive oil.  Steep six weeks, strain, bottle.  Use as topical oil on sprains, inflammed joints etc.