Amapola-Poppy
( papaver) |
| Description:
These hardy perennial, annual and biennial plants are native of eastern Asia, North America and
Europe. They are commonly known as Poppies. Their foliage is mostly basal; the leaves are
coarsely toothed and grow up to 6 inches long. Their height ranges from 1 to 4 feet and they produce pretty single or double flowers atop long thin stems. The flowers have glistening petals and they grow from 2 to 6 inches across. They come in all colors except blue. 1. P. nudicaule, the Iceland Poppy, comes in yellow, coral and pink. 2. The leaves of P. somniferum, the Opium Poppy, are blue-green and the flowers come in shades of white, pink, red or purple. 3. P. alpinum, the Alpine Poppy, are great for the rock garden, as they only grow about 6 inches high. 4. P. rhoeas, the Shirley Poppy, Corn Poppy, Flanders Poppy, or Field Poppy, comes in scarlet, salmon, pink and white. Picking off the dead flowers will increase blooming, butprevents the formation of seed heads valued for drying. Properties of Amapola: Used for Sleeplessness, as an Analgesic, Dysentery, Diarrhea, Whooping Cough, Asthma and Antiperetic. For sleeplessness, pain reducer, fever reducer, cough and asthma: Prepare a herbal tea using 4 grams of Poppy leaves to 200 grams of water, boil for 15 min., let stand then take a teaspoon once an hour until better. For dysentery and diarrhea: Take the Poppy plant head cut into 4 pieces, remove seeds, boil for 5 min., 1 portion to 1 liter of water, let stand, strain then, when still warm, use as a enema. |
| CAUTION: This presentation is not a guide to the identification of plants or their use as a substitute for standard medical treatments. Many plants with medicinal properties are also toxic and frequently FATAL if taken at incorrect dosages or if not prepared in a specific fashion. We do not advocate the consumption of reputed medicinal plant products without prior consultation with your physician or other natural plant products professional. Consult Your Physician Before Using a Herbal Remedy! |