Article Nº 0136 Plant Vol. I · p. 71
Lettuce (Lactuca sativa)
Original title: Alface (Lactuca sativa)
Lettuce is widely grown in Madeiran kitchen gardens; its latex (lactucarium) and distilled water have medicinal uses.
A liguliflorous composite widely grown in Madeiran kitchen gardens. The juice obtained from transverse incisions made in lettuce stems at flowering time is known in pharmacies as lactucarium, and in some cases it can be used as a substitute for opium. Distilled lettuce water is used as a vehicle for certain calming potions.