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Red Poppy, Papaver rhoeas- Californian Poppy, Eschscholzia californica- Prickly Poppy, Argemone mexicana- Yellow Horned Poppy Extract, Glaucium flavum
As one of the most ancient 'culture plants' Poppies have been a companion to humanity since its infancy during the upper Neolithic period. According to archeological studies, remains of Poppies have been found in prehistoric settlements in central Europe, Switzerland, Southern Germany and Southern England which date to at least 4000 BC. Scholars argue among themselves about the origin of this mysterious and strikingly beautiful magical herb. Some sources claim Asia as its original habitat, others the eastern Mediterranean region.
Recent research seems to point at central and southern Europe as its original home, from where it is believed to have spread south to Egypt, east to India, Pakistan and China and north to England. Why Neolithic farmers should have cultivated a plant such as Poppy is also a point of argument. Some scientists have proposed the theory that it was grown for its edible seeds and the oil that could be pressed from them for use as a cooking oil as well as for lamp fuel. Whilst these uses may well have played a role, there are many other plants that could have been used for these purposes which would have been easier to process. It is more likely that our ancestors held Poppies in special regard for their psychotropic powers which may well have played a significant role within a ceremonial or ritual context.
Poppies are an erect herbaceous annual growing to a height of about 2-3' ft. The leaves and stem are bluish green with a rubbery appearance. The leaves are pinnately lobed with serrated margins that clasp around the stem. The flowers usually have four large petals that vary in colour from white to pink and purple with a dark spot at their base.
Poppies contain about 40 different alkaloids. The most prominent being morphine, Codeine, Thebaine, Papaverine and Noscapine
Magical Uses: Love magic and divination, prophetic dreams, incense for divination, potions in sex magic, Flying Ointment, prosperity charm, protection against demons and vampires, happiness and peace, invisibility
Medicinal Uses: Analgesic, narcotic, sedative, antispasmodic, anti-diarrheal, antitussive, diaphoretic, aphrodisiac.
INFORMATION PROVIDED ON OUR WEBSITE IS FOR BOTANICAL/CULTURAL RESEARCH PURPOSES ONLY! ANY REFERANCES ABOUT THE USE OR EFFECTS OF THESE NATURAL HEALING HERBS IS BASED ON TRADITIONAL USE OR SHAMANIC PRACTICES. ALL PRODUCTS ARE SOLD FOR ETHNOBOTANICAL RESEARCH (NOT FOR HUMAN CONSUMPTION)!!!
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