Papaver rhoeas

Papaver rhoeas
Family:Papaver rhoeas; Anodyne; Cancer; Emmenagogue; Emollient; Expectorant; Hypnotic; Sedative; Tonic.
Common name:Corn poppy
The flowers of corn poppy have a long history of medicinal usage especially for ailments in the elderly and children. Chiefly employed as a mild pain reliever and as a treatment for irritable coughs it also helps to reduce nervous over-activity. Unlike the related opium poppy (P. somniferum) it is non-addictive. However the plant does contain alkaloids which are still under investigation and so should only be used under the supervision of a qualified herbalist. The flowers and petals are anodyne emollient emmenagogue expectorant hypnotic slightly narcotic and sedative. An infusion is taken internally in the treatment of bronchial complaints and coughs insomnia poor digestion nervous digestive disorders and minor painful conditions. The flowers are also used in the treatment of jaundice. The petals are harvested as the flowers open and are dried for later use. They should be collected on a dry day and can be dried or made into a syrup. The latex in the seedpods is narcotic and slightly sedative. It can be used in very small quantities and under expert supervision as a sleep-inducing drug. The leaves and seeds are tonic. They are useful in the treatment of low fevers. The plant has anticancer properties.

Herbal Database

01.01.2005 04:52 []