LETTUCE OPIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Lettuce opium refers to a substance derived from the sap of certain lettuce varieties, primarily Lactuca virosa or Lactuca serriola, belonging to the Asteraceae family. Despite the name, lettuce opium does not contain actual opium or any opioid compounds. Instead, it contains a milky substance called lactucarium, commonly referred to as lettuce opium due to its opiate-like properties and its historic use as a mild sedative.
Lactucarium is obtained by making small incisions in the stem of the lettuce plant and collecting the sap that exudes from it. This sap has been used for centuries for its sedative, analgesic, and hypnotic effects. It contains a variety of alkaloids, including lactucin and lactucopicrin, which are believed to be responsible for its aforementioned properties.
Lettuce opium has traditionally been used as a natural remedy to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, insomnia, and pain. However, its effectiveness and potency as a sedative and pain reliever are significantly lower than that of actual opium or pharmaceutical opioids. Hence, it is considered a mild herbal alternative for those seeking a more modest relaxation effect.
It is important to note that lettuce opium is not regulated or approved by medical authorities for therapeutic use, and its safety and efficacy have not been extensively studied. Therefore, individuals should exercise caution when considering its consumption and consult with a healthcare professional before using lettuce opium or any herbal remedies.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LETTUCE OPIUM
- lettuce opi5m
- lettuce opiem
- lettuce opiqm
- lettuce opiwm
- lettuce opitm
- lettuce opiue
- lettuce opiui
- lettuce opiuo
- lettuce opiul
- lettuceopieum
- l ettuce opium
- le ttuce opium
- let tuce opium
- lett uce opium
- lettu ce opium
- lettuc e opium
- lettuce opi um
- lettuce opiu m
Etymology of LETTUCE OPIUM
The term "lettuce opium" is not a commonly used or recognized term in English. However, the phrase seems to be a combination of two unrelated words:
1. "Lettuce": The word "lettuce" comes from the Latin word "lectuca", which referred to a type of cultivated plant. The English word ultimately evolved from the Old French term "laitues". "Lettuce" is commonly known as a leafy green vegetable and has been cultivated for thousands of years.
2. "Opium": "Opium" comes from the Latin word "opium", which originally meant "juice from the poppy plant". It has been used for centuries for its sedative and narcotic properties. Opium is derived from the latex or sap of the opium poppy plant (Papaver somniferum).
Similar spelling word for LETTUCE OPIUM
