8 THINGS YOU MUST KNOW ABOUT POPPY SEEDS

POPPY  SEEDS

• (S) Ahephena,

  • serpent's poison,

    • for its narcotic properties

Part Used:

• seeds (non-narcotic)

Energetics:

• pungent

• astringent

• sweet

  • heating/sweet

    • VK- P+

Tissues:

• plasma

• blood

• muscle

• bone

• marrow and nerves

Systems:

• nervous

• digestive

• respiratory

• circulatory

Actions:

• astringent

• carminative

• antispasmodic

• sedative

• analgesic

Indications:

• diarrhea

• dysentery

• children's diarrhea

• abdominal pain

• poor absorption

• cough

• insomnia

• nerve pain

Precaution:

• gastritis

• colitis

• high pitta

Preparation:

• infusion

• powder (250 mg to 1 gm)

• POPPY SEEDS are similar in properties to

  • nutmeg and are often used in conjunction with it.

  • They are good astringent for

    • the intestine

      •  possessing carminative and

      • stomachic properties,

      thus also increasing Agni while promoting absorption.

• They are effective for

  • nervous digestive disorder for children of high vata types.

• They strengthen

  • the villi of the small intestine.

•  As a spice,

  •  they are antidotal to the

    • gas producing properties of legumes.

• Their quality is

  • tamasic.

    • They induce in sleep and, in long term usage,

    • dull the mind and so may inhabit awareness,

  • though they help bring down high Vata psychological imbalances.

  • As a nervine they may be used with valerian.

• One-quarter ounce of poppy seeds can be simmered in

  • one pint of water along with

  • one teaspoon each of nutmeg and

  • ginger powder

  and taken three times a day immediately after meals for

  •  nervous digestion.

  A cup may also be taken before sleep to promote rest.