Parts Most Frequently Used: Capsules, Flowers

Flavors/Temps: Sour, Astringent, Neutral, Toxic

Caution: Highly poisonous and addicting.

History/Folklore: Opium is extracted from the poppy heads before they ripen. When the petals have fallen from the flowers, cuts are made into the wall of unripe capsules, without penetrating the interior, the exuded juice is then partially dried before scrapping. These scrapings are formed into cakes wrapped in poppy leaves or paper, then dried in the sun. The white milky juice will continue to dry and darken during this process until it is ready to be used.

The 17th century English herbalist, Culpepper recommended a syrup made of the leaves and flowers to treat pleurisy.

A decoction made from the bruised capsules and distilled water, is not used internally, but externally, to be applied for pain.

The heads boiled in water are used to make as strong a decoction as possible and then boiled with sugar. Called syrup of diacodium, this mixture is gentler and safer than opium or laudanum (another derivative of opium) as a sleep aid.

The word opium is derived from the Greek word opus, meaning juice. The Latin botanical name translates as “sleep-bringing poppy.” In ancient Sumeria, it was referred to as the “joy plant.”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, poppy seeds are used to astringe the lungs and large intestines and to relieve pain. The capsules are used to treat several conditions, including chronic coughing and diarrhea. The capsules are often honey-fried to treat coughs and treated with vinegar to treat bleeding, pain, and diarrhea.

Poppy seeds are an important food item and the source of poppy seed oil. The seeds and oil contain very low levels of opiates. They are not addictive and are often used for culinary purposes.

White poppy is often grown in succession to wheat and barley. They are planted in late March or April. Even a few nights of dew can spoil the color of the ripening fruit and heavy winds can also cause a lot of destruction.