Opium poppy Health Dictionary

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Opium Poppy: From 1 Different Sources

Papaver somniferum L. Prescription by a medical practitioner only. Contains morphine alkaloids and codeine. Analgesic, narcotic.

Although medication with opiates is addictive and its abuse ranges from dependence to death, use of crushed poppyheads as a topical poultice for crippling pain, as in terminal disease of chest or abdomen, is worthy of consideration. In an age before modern drugs and anaesthetics this was one of the few solaces available. Even today, there are a few situations for which this deep-acting pain-killer is indicated as, for instance, wounds healed but not without pain.

In spite of the plethora of modern drugs to combat the pain of terminal illness, few are as effective as the greatest anodyne of all time which led the eminent Sydenham to say “. . . if it were expunged from the pharmacopoeia, I would give up the practise of medicine”. 

Health Source: Bartrams Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine
Author: Health Encyclopedia

Opium

The dried juice of the unripe seed-capsules of the white Indian poppy, Papaver somniferum.The action of opium depends upon the 20– 25 ALKALOIDS it contains. Of these, the chief is MORPHINE, the amount of which varies from around 9–17 per cent. Other alkaloids include codeine, narcotine, thebaine, papaverine, and naceine.

The importation into Britain of opium is strictly regulated under the Dangerous Drugs Acts. Similar regulations govern the sale and distribution of any preparation of morphine or diamorphine (heroin) stronger than 1 part in

500. (See DEPENDENCE.)

Action The action of opium varies considerably, according to the source of the drug and the preparation used.

In small doses, opium produces a state of gentle excitement, the person ?nding their imagination more vivid, their thoughts more brilliant, and their power of expression greater than usual. This stage lasts for some hours, and is succeeded by languor. In medicinal doses this stage of excitement is short and is followed by deep sleep. When potentially poisonous doses are taken, sleep comes on quickly, and passes into coma and death (see OPIOID POISONING). The habitual use of opium produces great TOLERANCE, so that opium users require to take large quantities daily before experiencing its pleasurable effects. The need for opium also confers tolerance, so that people suffering great pain may take, with apparently little e?ect beyond dulling the pain, quantities which at another time would be dangerous.... opium

Poppy

Two species are used in medicine: Papaver somniferum, the white opium-poppy (see OPIUM), and Papaver rhoeas, the red corn-poppy. The corn-poppy is chie?y used as a colouring agent, its syrup being a brilliant crimson colour.... poppy

California Poppy Tea Against Insomnia

California Poppy tea is a natural remedy against insomnia. It is largely used for its healing properties against anxiety, too. California Poppy Tea description California poppy is an annual or perennial plant, originating from the Pacific coast. Its orange-yellow flowers flourish during spring and midsummer. North Americans used to consume this plant for stress-caused illnesses. Landscape artists appreciate California poppy plant for its beauty. California Poppy tea is the beverage resulting from brewing the abovementioned plant. California Poppy Tea brewing To prepare California Poppy tea, place the flowers, stems and leaves in boiling water for about 10 minutes. California Poppy Tea benefits California Poppy tea has been successfully used to:
  • fight insomnia by ushering in restful sleep
  • fight anxiety
  • fight headaches
  • fight toothaches and stomachaches
  • fight skin sores and ulcers
California Poppy Tea side effects Pregnant women and children should not consume California Poppy tea. California Poppy tea is a healthy beverage able to deal with a large array of diseases such as stomachaches and ulcers and it also proved to be helpful for skin sores.... california poppy tea against insomnia

Californean Poppy

Eschscholtzia californica (Cham.) French: Globe du soleil. German: Goldmohn. Italian: Escolzia di California. Whole plant. Practitioner use.

Constituents: flavone glycosides.

Action: hypnotic, sedative, nerve relaxant, anodyne.

Uses: Insomnia, migraine, stressful conditions, nervous bowel, anxiety, depression, neuralgia. Combines well with Passion Flower (equal parts) for hyperactivity and sleeplessness.

Preparations: Tea. 1 teaspoon to each cup boiling water; infuse 15 minutes; morning and evening. Powder: capsule: 240mg. 2 capsules middle of afternoon; 4 capsules evening one hour after going to bed. (Arkocaps) ... californean poppy


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