Poppy for anxiety and insomnia
The Poppy, Papaver rhoeas, also called the red poppy, field poppy, corn poppy or Flanders poppy has become synonymous with the annual Remembrance Day celebrations. Each year, millions of imitation poppies are made and sold in aid of retired and injured soldiers, sailors and airmen and their families, as well as those who have been killed in combat. The poppy was chosen because after the First World War was over, the fields of battle at Flanders were a sea of red poppies, as if seeded by the blood of the fallen.
Until agriculture turned industrial in the middle of the 20th century, cornfields used to be much prettier than they are now, as they were dotted with poppies and cornflowers. Poppies thrive where the soil is disturbed by cultivation or other causes, but farmers use selective weedkillers to protect the purity of their crop. In my view we lose more than we gain by this practice.
The name red poppy is used to distinguish this plant from the closely related opium poppy, which is sometimes called the white poppy. Although the wild poppy is naturally red (though there are occasional whites and bicolors), cultivated poppies are available in many combinations and shades of red and white, some with black markings.
The poppy is a hardy annual plant which reaches a height of about 2 feet (60cm). Sow it once, and even if you deadhead religiously, you are likely to find that it selfseeds, and you will never need to buy seeds again. Poppies require moist but well drained soil, but are not fussy as to type. They will not grow in the shade.
Poppy is not suitable as a herbal remedy for pregnant women.
Medicinally, poppy has a long history of use, particularly for children and the elderly. The petals and leaves are a good general tonic, and is useful as a treatment for anxiety and insomnia, as an expectorant and to relieve minor pains and sore throat. It also promotes menstruation and fights cancer.
For all these purposes make a standard infusion using 3 handfuls of fresh petals and leaves or 1 ounce of dried to 570ml (2.5 US cups, 1 UK pint) boiling water. Stand for 15 minutes to 4 hours then strain before use. The daily dosage is up to 240ml (1 US cup, 8 fl oz) split into 3 doses.
As with all herbs grown for medicinal use, poppies must be grown organically to avoid their active constituents being masked or changed by the effects of foreign chemicals. To find out more about growing organic poppies visit the Gardenzone.
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