Description
Latin Name : Papaver Rhoeas L.
Origin Country: Bulgaria
Red poppy is native to North Africa, Europe and the temperate regions of Asia. Red poppy is actually a member of the polymorphic species differing in the shape of the leaves as well as the color of the blooms.
In general, the petals of the flowers of the red poppy can be collected during the months of July and August, after the dew has dried, early in the morning. Flowers must be dried very carefully.
For instance, while the flowers yield a red colorant, this dye is very fleeting or fugitive. For years people have been employing syrup prepared from the petals in the form of a coloring matter for old inks. The red petals of this herb are employed to color pot-pourris.
The flowers of the field poppy have long been used as a painkiller for soothing mild aches and pains (e.g. toothache, earache and sore throat), a mild sedative/relaxant, an expectorant for treating catarrh and coughs, as a digestive, and even for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and in lipstick.
Poppy extracts have traditionally been used to relax smooth muscle tone, making them potentially useful in the treatment of diarrhea and abdominal cramping. The extract has been used as a sedative analgesic and antitussive.
Poppy Flower is the most sedating of the herbs in this section. Traditionally, it has been used to treat pain, neuralgia, anxiety, stress, depression, migraines, and to promote sleep.
