Poppy Seeds

Poppy is one of the most ancient spices and the oldest culture in the world, it was grown in the Neolithic era. It is mainly cultivated in Asia, China, Turkey, Iran and Afghanistan. Europeans grow poppy seeds as a very valuable oil crop. Extremely interesting plant not only in terms of its appearance, but also in terms of its properties. 

The colors of poppies can be not only red but also white, purple, light purple, light pink or bright red. Improper storage of poppy seeds deteriorates their quality. It should be borne in mind that under the influence of light the fat in the seed can decompose, so it should be stored in opaque packaging or in the dark.

Composition of poppy seeds

The seeds contain a large amount of fat - 50-60%, as well as proteins and sugars.

The leaves contain 44% fat, over 20 alkaloids, vitamin C, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, organic acids, resin.

Useful properties of poppy seeds

The parts of the plant have been used in folk medicine for a long time.

Poppy seeds are a very healthy product. They contain a large amount of plant proteins - up to 20% of the total weight
of the seed. It also contains fatty substances - up to 50% of total weight, monounsaturated fatty acids, especially oleic acid, which prevents the formation of cholesterol plaques on the walls of blood vessels. Poppy has many B vitamins that have a beneficial effect on the nervous system. Vitamin PP, which improves blood circulation, affects blood flow, is used to combat allergies, diarrhea, dermatitis and dementia.

Decoction of the roots helps with headaches, is used in the treatment of the sciatic nerve. Decoction of the seeds is drunk to improve digestion. In severe inflammatory processes in children, "poppy milk" was given, which is prepared from a puree made from crushed seeds and water, it has soporific and analgesic properties.

Poppy has also been used as an anthelmintic.

Today, the healing properties of the plant are not forgotten. It is used as a sedative for bronchitis. Compresses are made from the steamed leaves and the green part, which help with joint problems, injuries and swelling. Poppy leaves are rubbed on the warts to remove them. In India, they prepare an invigorating remedy against fever.

Dry poppy petals are used to make decoctions, powders, serums, which have a beneficial effect on coughs, gastric catarrh, insomnia, fatigue, and as a general sedative.

All poppy seeds have a narcotic effect. An effective and harmless product against insomnia is the combination of honey and poppy.

Pharmacological properties of poppy

The pharmacological properties of the plant are determined by the alkaloids morphine, codeine, papaverine:

• morphine stops the transmission of pain impulses to the brain, is used as a strong painkiller and hypnotic;
• codeine reduces cough;
• papaverine has antispasmodic properties, lowers smooth muscle tone and relaxes it.

The seeds of the plant contain potassium, calcium, iron, magnesium, selenium, iodine and vitamins A, C, D, E, B3, B1, B9, B2, B6.

Contraindications to poppy

Before starting treatment with poppy and poppy products, be sure to consult a doctor.

Poppy seeds are contraindicated for people who have an individual intolerance to it.

Medicinal products of this plant are not suitable for children under 2 years, the elderly, for people addicted to alcohol, suffering from bronchial asthma, emphysema of the lungs, respiratory depression, hypoxemia and liver disease.

Poppy is used in cooking. Its oil is considered one of the best of plant origin. An excellent source of carbohydrates, proteins, unsaturated fatty acids (oleic and linoleic).