The Papaveraceae contain many genera whose representatives are very interesting for our health.
The genus Papaver is illustrated with the beautiful poppy (Papaver rhoeas L.) and the enigmatic sleeping poppy (Papaver somniferum L.), the genus Eschscholtzia with the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham.); there is also that of the disturbing celandine (Chelidonium majus L.) and, finally, the genus Fumaria with the fumitory (Fumaria offi-cinalis L.).
All these plants, so different from each other, are part of the basic arsenal of any herbalist. They have pharmacological qualities as disparate as they are essential for the health of the organism. The most significant example of this therapeutic wealth is certainly the sleeping poppy. It induces “life”, thanks to its powerful analgesic activity (morphine), and death, because opium and heroin are extracted from it. This pretty flower alone represents all the duality of the plant world!
As for the sleeping poppy seed oil, it is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids!
Sleeping herbal tea for adults
California poppy is an excellent sedative that makes it easier to fall asleep. It also calms hot flashes in postmenopausal women.
Recipe : Put 15 g of aerial parts of California poppy, 15 g of aerial parts of passionflower and 15 g of hawthorn flowers in a liter of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes.
How to use it ? Drink 2 cups at the end of the day for 3 weeks.
Calming herbal tea for children (over 7 years)
The California poppy and the poppy, a colorful mixture to soothe children and fight against their sleep disorders: nocturnal awakenings, nightmares …
Recipe : immerse 10 g of aerial parts of California poppy, 10 g of poppy petals and 10 g of linden flowers in a liter of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 10 to 15 minutes.
How to use it ? Drink a cup of this herbal tea at the end of the day, a few hours before bedtime, for 2 weeks.
Skin purifying infusion
This mixture of plants will complete a local aromatic treatment in case of skin problems (acne, eczema …).
Recipe : put 10 g of aerial parts of officinal fumitory, 15 g of large burdock root and 20 g of wild pansy flowers in a liter of simmering water. Leave to infuse for 15 to 20 minutes.
How to use it ? drink a liter of this infusion, throughout the day, for 3 weeks.
The preparation can be applied locally with a soaked compress, to relieve skin conditions.
Soothing anti-cough herbal tea
The poppy is one of the 7 pectoral plants.
Recipe :put 10 g of poppy petals, 10 g of mallow flowers, 10 g of globular eucalyptus leaves, 15 g of ground ivy and 10 g of black elder flowers in a liter of simmering water. Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes, then add a teaspoon of thyme honey.
How to use it ? drink 3 to 4 cups, per day, for 10 days.
An anti-wart plant
Cut a stalk of celandine. Put the juice which flows from it on the wart. Renew until its disappearance.
The usual precautions with poppies
Always seek medical advice for pregnant and breastfeeding women, for children under 7 years old, as well as for people undergoing medical treatment. And for all preparations, follow the protocols described.
Our expert: Pascale Gélis-Imbert, doctor of pharmacy
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