© Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public domain · Commons
Papaver rhoeas
CautionKlatschmohn · (Papaver rhoeas)
Poppy family (Papaveraceae)
Description
Papaver rhoeas, with common names including common poppy, corn poppy, corn rose, field poppy, Flanders poppy, red poppy, and Odai, is an annual herbaceous species of flowering plant in the poppy family Papaveraceae. It is native to north Africa and temperate Eurasia and is introduced into temperate areas on all other continents except Antarctica.
🌿 Risk of confusion — read before wild-harvesting!
Lay-collection risk through confusion with similar poppy species.
CONTRAINDICATED during pregnancy
Common poppy alkaloids may have uterotonic effects; use during pregnancy is contraindicated. No consumption of leaves or flowers during pregnancy.
CONTRAINDICATED during breastfeeding
Alkaloids could pass into breast milk and have a sedating effect on the infant. No use during breastfeeding as a precautionary measure.
- TeaFlowerInternalFolk medicine
Folk medicinal use of common poppy petals as a mild sleep and calming tea. The alkaloid rhoeadine has a mild sedative effect. NO relation to Papaver somniferum — no opiates, no addiction risk.
Preparation & dosage
- TeaFlowerInternalFolk medicine
Traditional use as soothing cough tea for dry irritant cough. Mucilage compounds in the petals coat irritated mucous membranes. Historically used in herbal cough syrups.
Preparation & dosage
- TinctureFlowerInternalFolk medicine
Historical use in herbal liqueurs and tinctures for nervous gastrointestinal complaints. Combines sedative properties of rhoeadine with antispasmodic effect on the digestive tract.
Preparation & dosage
- RawSeedInternalFolk medicine
Seeds of common poppy are alkaloid-free and edible. Traditional use as baking ingredient in bread and pastries. Good source of unsaturated fatty acids and minerals. No medicinal effect from the seeds.
Preparation & dosage
- CompressFlowerExternalFolk medicine
Folk medicinal external application of fresh petals as a moist compress for skin irritation and mild inflammation. Mucilage compounds have a skin-soothing and cooling effect.
Preparation & dosage
- TeaAerial partsInternalFolk medicine
Historical use of common poppy herb (leaves and stems) before flowering as a spring herb in cooking and folk medicine. Caution: after bud formation the alkaloid content increases — do not consume then.
Preparation & dosage