Hated by farmers for being a plant that removes all nutrients from the soil, harming other plants, the poppy is a plant that has been present in history since ancient times thanks to its medicinal properties. She was the protagonist of a revolutionary discovery within the field of pharmacology.

Native to Europe, the poppy was used by Greeks and Romans not only in cooking and as medicine, but also for the production of opium, a drug that until the 19th century had its free trade, being later banned due to its great addictive power.

This drug opened the door to the discovery of drugs used mainly to treat and relieve pain, such as codeine and morphine.

Properties and benefits

In addition to being a beautiful ornamental plant, both flower petals and seeds can be used in cooking. The plant has antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, emollient, sedative, narcotic and sweating properties.

In addition to its calming power, which can be of great help for those who have difficulty sleeping or suffer from anxiety, the red poppy petal tea helps in the treatment of various diseases that affect the airways, such as allergies, cough, bronchitis and even more serious conditions such as pneumonia, asthma and lung cancer.

It can also relieve pain, especially those located in the rib cage and throat, in addition to acting as an expectorant and being an ally against diarrhea.

Despite having numerous health benefits, excessive consumption of the plant can be harmful to health as it can cause stomach pain and some other digestive disorders.

red poppy tea

Ingredients

  • 750 ml (3 cups of tea) of water;
  • 24 dried red poppy petals;
  • Sugar, sweetener or honey to taste (optional).

Method of preparation

To prepare, just go through the infusion process. Bring the water to the fire and wait for it to reach boiling point, then add the leaves and let it rest for a few minutes, straining the solid remains before drinking the drink.

Heads up

It is advisable to strictly follow the indicated doses and not extrapolate them since the flower petals have morphine traces that, even not offering any danger, can cause dependence in case of prolonged or excessive consumption. This tea is not recommended for pregnant women.