Papaver Somniferum, Papaveraceae

Scientific Name: Papaver Somniferum.
Common Name or English Name: Poppy seeds, Aphim, Opium poppy, etc.
Papaver Somniferum is made from a plant which is known by the name of opium poppy. For obtaining papaver somniferum, the shells of its young and green seeds are dried and its extract is acquired.

Opium poppy was brought into use by many early civilizations because of its basic quality of mitigating the soreness or any type of ache, putting people into slumber & help in making an individual psychologically fit. Afghanistan is hot-bed for growing opium and has also become major source of income for many.

Commercial Use: For commercial purposes and that too legally, dosage of opium has always been used in very small amount. But, the trade in opium is generally done illegally and is smuggled across the world to be smoked as intoxicant.

For that, huge cultivation of its seeds and flowers is done. In different countries, Papaver Somniferum is known by different names but the basic difference lies in quality and look. Oil extracted from poppy seeds is used in cooking oil. The flower of the opium plant is used for intoxication purposes whereas its seeds are used for medical purposes.

Utilization: But remember, opium seeds are excellent source of energy; are often used as stimulant and are commonly used in foods and salad decoration.

It is often used as a painkiller, antiseptic and hypnotic medicine.

But it has many therapeutic properties also, for instance, it is used in the treatment of asthma, wounds, cough problem, high fever, headache, cancer, eye infection, depression, swelling, sleeplessness, malaria, blood pressure, vomiting and toothache.

Though it cures many diseases, excessive dosage of opium can have harmful effects on brain.

Environment: Opium plant normally grows to a height of around 1 meter and bears white double lobbed flowers. Its seeds are normally sown in between September and April. It develops to its fullest in autumn or spring season. Papaver Somniferum can be grown in a spacious garden having a good drainage facility.