Poppy seed tea – Balance and harmony for body and mind

As we know, natural products have a number of benefits for us. Some of us even prefer only herbal products. But have you ever wondered if they are really useful, how much is right and how often we should use them? Experts recommend that you get the right information before using natural products in your daily routine because, in addition to their beneficial properties, they can also have a number of contraindications.

One of the plants often used in the food industry, cosmetics or medicine is the poppy. The benefits of poppy depend on how it is eaten, as using it in large quantities can have a 'heady' effect on you. That's why poppy cultivation is controlled by the authorities.

One of the properties of poppy is that its seeds can help prevent heart disease. Poppy seeds also contain calcium and magnesium, which regulate brain activity and help neurons develop. The seeds can also treat insomnia. Poppy seeds are often used in various recipes, most commonly in the preparation of cakes, bakery products and pastries. In addition to their culinary use, the seeds are believed to be beneficial for the skin, as they have a natural sedative effect.

Experts also recommend using poppy seeds as a tea, saying that despite the risks associated with this tea, there are also many health benefits when consumed responsibly and in small quantities. For example, it regulates stress levels, has an analgesic effect, helps treat diarrhoea and boosts mood.

At the same time, specialists warn that this tea has narcotic properties because of the two types of alkaloids in the seeds - phenanthrene and benzylisoquinoline. When consumed too frequently or in too high a concentration, poppy tea can be addictive and even fatal, similar to a heroin overdose or painkiller.

Preparation

Poppy tea can easily be prepared using a 1 litre bottle of water, lemon juice and poppy seeds. Initially pour the poppy seeds into the bottle through a funnel, then add hot water (without boiling) until the water covers the seeds by 2-3 cm and add the lemon juice. Then close the bottle and shake gently for 2-3 minutes. This way the active compounds will effectively infuse the tea. The colour should be a soft yellow to dark brown, depending on the type of seeds, and don't forget to remove the seeds at the end.

Poppy cultivation

The poppy is a hardy, unpretentious plant in terms of the type of soil in which it is grown. Poppy seeds can be planted in autumn or early spring, depending on conditions. They need low or very low temperatures to germinate. Specialists also recommend planting poppy seeds in several stages, a week or two apart. It is important to note that poppies grow very well if they get at least 6 hours of light a day. Scatter poppy seeds mixed with sand on the soil and cover them with a little soil. Water the soil where you have planted the poppy moderately. Depending on the variety, the seeds will germinate in 10 to 30 days.

6 Emerging benefits of Poppy Seeds

• Rich in nutrients and antioxidants
• May contain pain-relieving compounds
• May boost heart and skin health
• May aid digestion
• May safeguard against certain illnesses
• May enhance fertility

Eating these seeds may result in a positive drug test. For instance, small amounts of codeine and morphine may remain detectable in urine for up to 48 hours after poppy seeds are consumed . The exact amount needed to result in a positive drug test depends on the thresholds used by the testing lab, as well as the concentration of opium remaining after the seeds have been washed .

Generally speaking, the more poppy seeds you eat, the higher your likelihood of testing positive for opium compounds.