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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 the efficacy of any herb nor 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. Additionally, some of these plants are extremely toxic and should be used only by licensed professionals who have the means to process them properly into appropriate pharmaceuticals. One final note: many plants were used for a wide range of illnesses in the past, but be aware that many of the historical uses have proven to be ineffective for the problems to which they were applied. |
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| 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. |
| CAUTION NOTE! Eating poppy seeds will cause a reading of "positive" in drug testing. If your employment requires drug testing, then avoid any food containing poppy seeds. |
PROPAGATION: By seed. Hardy annual (will self-sow).
NEEDS: Full sun and good soil.
HARVEST: Ripe seed pods.
MEDICINAL:
Requires precise combination of altitude, temperature, sun and length of growing season to produce raw opium suitable for refined pharmaceuticals. Which is why commercial production is limited to those areas where it occurs naturally.Narcotic. Used for pain control.Oil of the seeds contain anticancer potential. Research continues.
CULINARY:
The seeds are used for flavoring but quickly become rancid so should be kept frozen.
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MEDICINAL USES:
Has been used for asthma, nervous tension and stress relief, insomia and other sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Reportedly safe for children, but get professional advice.
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Seeds yield an oil used in soap making and as an illuminant.
