Papaver somniferum Information-Uses and Benefits

Botanical Name: Papaver Somniferum

Family Name: Papaveraceae

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Order: Ranunculales

Family: Papaveraceae

Genus: Papaver

Species: somniferum

Popular Names: Aphium Opium Poppy, Poppy seeds, Plant of Joy, White Poppy Posta, Common Garden Poppy, Mawseed

Parts utilized: Flowers and Seeds

Habitat: Grown at an altitude of around 1500 to 2100 on a large scale in places like India

Portrayal

This plant is known to have narcotic properties hence the name “papaver somniferum” which literally means “sleep bringing poppy”. This is also called opium poppy and is an annual plant of height approximately 3-5 feet. It gives rise to radiant white, purple, red and pink flowers that grow on a mid bulbous shell. If smashed, this pod generates milky latex known as opium. Leaves are simple, alternate, toothed and clasping. Capsule –like fruits in which seeds are spread. Poppy is raised as a decorative plant in countries like South America, North America, Asia and Europe. India, Turkey and Australia are the chief producers of this plant.

Chemicals which are present in the plant

The chemicals present in poppy are as follows: thebaine, morphine, oripavine, codeine,protein,ether extract, nitrogen free extract, crude fiber, ash, calcium, phosphorus, iron, thiamine, riboflavin, nicotinic acid,iodine,manganese,copper,magnesium,sodium,potassium,zinc,lecithin,oxalic acid, pentosans, an amorphous alkaloid ,narcotine, enzymes like emulsion, diastase, nuclease and liapase.

Usages and advantages of Poppy

Utilized for medicinal reasons and is a constituent of drugs like codeine, laudenine, morphine, nicotine etc.

Poppy based medications are very beneficial for lessening severe pains.

A stimulant that produces euphoria and assists in getting rid of tensions and anxieties

Highly advised for minor pains due to its analgesic and cough suppressing properties.

It is very effective in treating intestinal stomach seizures and also respiratory spasms that occur due to asthma attacks.

Beneficial for bruises, cold, colic, cancer, conjunctivitis, dysentery, fever, enteritis, hypertension, hemicrania, headache, inflammation, hysteria, hypochondria, insomnia, mania, malaria, neuralgia, nausea, melancholy, snakebites, ulcers, warts, toothaches ,tumors etc.

Effective for cancers related to tongue, spleen, stomach, skin, uterus, breast etc.

Reduces pain and calms down the excitement.

Offers two food constituents – poppy seed and seed oil.

Seeds are utilized in baking and spraying on bread and rolls.

Seeds are rich in drying oil which is employed for manufacturing varnishes, soaps and paints.

Oil cakes form the fodder for livestock

Warning

High dose is very addictive and may decrease respiration.