Poppy: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Updated on 19 March 2025

Poppy is native to the eastern Mediterranean and was introduced into Europe with cereal cultivation. It has four bright red, black-spotted petals, organized by the two sepals, and features a large pistil and numerous stamens. The name Papaver, derived from the Celtic "papa" meaning "pulp," evokes the ancestral uses of this plant to soothe and lull children. Poppy petals contain numerous health-beneficial compounds such as alkaloids (papaverine, rhoeadine), mucilage, sucrose, manganese, and malic acid. These components give poppy its calming, softening, and pectoral properties. Traditionally, poppy flowers have been used as a cough suppressant and to induce sleep in nervous children due to their sedative properties.

Other name(s)

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Scientific name(s)

Papaver rhoeas

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Anthocyanins

Mucilages

Potassium

Manganese

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Sleep disorders
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Poppy, known for its soothing virtues, is traditionally used to alleviate sleep disorders. It is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of neurotonic states in adults and children, including minor sleep disorders. Poppy helps to calm agitation and promote falling asleep.

Posologie

Oral: petals

1.5 g

infusion

Clinical evaluation of sedative and anxiolytic plants

Cough
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Poppy is recognized for its calming and soothing properties on the respiratory tract, traditionally used to ease cough and relieve throat irritation. Poppy is included in many syrups and preparations intended to combat cough symptoms.

Posologie

Oral: petals

1.5 g

infusion

Clinical evaluation of sedative and anxiolytic plants

Properties

Sedative

Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) has a marked sedative effect, mainly attributed to the anthocyanins in its petals, without detectable alkaloids by thin-layer chromatography. Behavioral tests on mice showed that ethanolic and aqueous extracts of poppy significantly reduce locomotor, exploratory, and postural activity. This sedative effect is particularly pronounced with extracts using 10% ethanol as an extraction solvent and does not appear to be antagonized (neutralized) by the usual treatments against the effects of benzodiazepines, opioids, dopaminergic and cholinergic. This suggests a unique mechanism of action of poppy components, independent of the traditional neurological pathways involved in sedation.

Usages associés

Sleep disorders

Intoxication due to Papaver rhoeas (Corn Poppy): Five Case Reports

Neurological

A study evaluated the effects of a poppy extract on the development of tolerance to the analgesic effects of morphine in mice. The hydro-alcoholic extract was administered at different doses (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) before each morphine dose for three days. Results show that the extract dose-independently attenuates morphine tolerance, suggesting that administering this extract can reduce morphine tolerance in mice. This indicates potential for limiting side effects of opioid tolerance used in pain treatment. Other research on poppy extract shows involvement in modulating the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and a reduction in corticosterone, indicating a potentially anti-stress action.

Papaver rhoeas L. stem and flower extracts: Anti-struvite, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antidepressant activities
Effect of Papaver rhoeas hydroalcoholic extract on blood corticosterone and psychosocial behaviors in the mice model of predator exposure-induced post-traumatic stress disorder
Effects of Papaver rhoeas extract on the acquisition and expression of morphine-induced behavioral sensitization in mice

Safety dosage

Adults from 18 years: 1.5 g - 20 g (infusion)

Poppy, correctly used in dried petal form, is considered safe for adults. However, consuming more than 250 grams of these petals can be potentially dangerous, having been associated with cases of poisoning with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, arrhythmias, and loss of consciousness.

Precautions

Child: avoid

For children, consuming fresh leaves or flowers may lead to poisoning, and it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before any poppy intake.

Breastfeeding woman: avoid

Regarding pregnant and breastfeeding women, information on poppy safety is insufficient. It is therefore recommended to avoid its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Pregnant woman: avoid