Poppy as an Herb

(Papaver spp.)

Also known as Blue Bread Poppy and Opium Poppy, these familiar black seeds are produced by the same plant used to make opium. Poppy seeds contain only trace amounts of opium, not enough to get a high, but enough to influence a drug test.

If you wish to grow poppy seeds, you should know that many countries and/or states have laws regarding the growing of this plant. Check to make sure it is legal to do so in your area.

Poppy seeds are rich in linoleic acid and oleic acid, unsaturated fatty acids that are useful in human nutrition.

Medicinal Uses for Poppy

Poppy is used for pain, asthma, insomnia, nervousness/anxiety, stress relief, insomnia and other sleep disturbances and chronic coughs. (This includes poppy seeds used in baked goods!)

Oil of the seeds contain anticancer potential. Research continues.

Stress Busters

Ashwagandha. Mentally, Ashwagandha is perhaps the most potent herbal stress buster. Don't let your health stress you out. Ashwagandha will fight that battle for you.

Geriforte. The antistress, adaptogenic properties of Geriforte retard degenerative changes and accelerate cellular regeneration and repair.

Culinary

The seeds are used for flavoring but quickly become rancid so should be kept frozen.

Used to flavor noodles, breads, and bagels and to make poppy seed kolachi (a Czech pastry). While poppy seeds can be pressed for oil, they are most commonly used to flavor and to add flavor, texture and color to noodles, breads, and pastries.

To bring out a nutty flavor, toast or crush poppy seeds before use.

Most culinary grade Poppy seeds have been steam sterilized and are not of germination quality.

Cautions

Do not use if you are undergoing drug testing, as it can cause you to test positive for various drug use.

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DISCLAIMER: These pages are presented solely as a source of INFORMATION and ENTERTAINMENT and to provide stern warnings against use where appropriate. No claims are made for any historical herbal treatment. In no way can the information provided here take the place of the standard, legal, medical practice of any country. Some plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals. Some plants used for illness in the past have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied.