The painkiller industry, particularly opioids, is multi-billion dollar and has significant side effects, due to addiction and recreational use. Reducing pain is a necessity in numerous medical treatments and to date nothing better than opium and derivatives such as morphine has been found.
At the same time, an industry of drugs has developed that relieve pain and inflammation but have all kinds of side effects, such as iboprofen and paracetamol.
Perhaps a better option is within the reach of many of Earth’s inhabitants, particularly in Europe, North America, and India, where the lactuca virosa or wild lettuce (also known as chicory). This plant has recently caused a stir among naturists for its analgesic qualities, which is why it is called morphine or natural opium. However, the plant has a long historical use, which includes an order from Emperor Charlemagne to plant it.
This wild lettuce has a substance called lactucarium which, although it does not contain opiates, has similar effects on the central nervous system; this means that it is psychoactive, so you have to be careful, although its effects are not as strong as those derived from opium.
The plant is usually prepared as an infusion to which a sweetener is added, since it is quite bitter. It is also used to treat migraines, insomnia and other conditions. It is believed that it does not have as many side effects, but more scientific studies are necessary.