Poppy (Papaveraceae Family)
Plant:
The Poppy belongs to the Papaveraceae family, which is made up of more than 80 species of different colors. It is a mythical plant for its addictive sensitivity and also for the nutritional powers that it offers, but it is the medicinal properties that make it a great success all over the world, as it allows the development of substances such as morphine, l opium, or heroin.
In Portugal, the Poppy, known to scientists as Papaver Rhoeas, appears in spring, spontaneously, to color fields, being considered by farmers as a noxious plant. This species of Poppy reaches about 70 centimeters in height and its stems have single, large and showy flowers, with four red petals, with a black spot at its base.
White Poppies, which contain opiates and from which opium and morphine are extracted, do not occur spontaneously in nature. Plantations of this type of poppy are controlled by competent authorities and their cultivation is normally intended for the production of morphine for medicinal purposes.
The World Health Organization considers opiates, based on morphine, necessary drugs because they are effective in relieving very severe pain.
Properties:
Astringent, analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative, diaphoretic, expectorant, and sedative are some of the properties offered by Poppies. As a food, the Poppy is rich in potassium, iron, phosphorus, magnesium, zinc, calcium and offers vitamins B1, B6, and B9.
Benefits:
- tonsillitis,
- anxiety,
- asthma,
- bronchitis,
- diarrhea,
- dysentery,
- teeth ache,
- insomnia,
- pleurisy,
- pneumonia,
- nervous system,
- cough…
How to consume it:
Poppy petals can be used in cooking, for example in raw salads, or for therapeutic purposes by infusion, syrup, ointment in poultice. In the latter case, the plant must be harvested and consumed on the same day, as it very easily loses its vital energy, it usually wilts within 24 hours.
In addition, Poppy seeds, already sterile so that they cannot be transformed into products prohibited by law, also offer many benefits to our body. Try sprinkling poppy seeds in a salad, using it in a sauce, or covering bread or cake and you will find that this condiment conveys an exquisite nutty flavor, while providing many health benefits.
For medicinal purposes, the petals and their fruits are used.
Contraindication:
Pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 10 years old. Regular, intense, and systematic consumption can lead to dependence due to the substance of morphine.
It is important to be aware of this because each organism is different and can lead to possible incompatibilities, total or momentary, generated by its ingestion.
Andreas N’s Photo on Pixabay. Try covering bread or cake with Poppy seeds and you will find that this condiment conveys an exquisite nutty taste, while providing many health benefits.
This text is an awareness. Depending on the season of the year and the moment in which you are, it is up to each Being to feel whether he should consume this food. The dosage and frequency depend on the nature and physical condition of each Human Being.
Learn more about the seeds on:
Seeds are sources of life, but pay attention to its energy validity
How and when should I eat seeds
