Ahiphena / Papaver Somniferum

An annual herb, Papaver Somniferum, can reach a height of 100 cm. Although it originated in the Eastern Mediterranean, it is grown all throughout Europe. Greyish green in color, the herbal plant has sparse, silky hairs on its stems and leaves. The lobed leaves clasp at the stem's base. This herb typically produces flowers that are more than 120 mm in diameter and have four petals that are white, mauve, and crimson. Round capsule-shaped fruits are produced by the plant, which also produces white latex when injured.

In spite of the fact that Papaver somniferum has many species and subspecies, each one differs from the others in a number of aspects, including flower color, form, number of petals, quantity of flowers and fruits, color of seeds, and ability to produce opium.

General Information

Poppy seed oil, an edible oil wit

the several advantages, is made from seeds or poppy seeds. Poppy seeds are utilized in cuisine and by bakers to garnish goods filled with sweet fillings, therefore both the oil and seed waste have commercial value.

This herb is used to make morphine as well. Morphine is an opioid that is used to treat moderate to severe pain; nevertheless, when misused, it can lead to addiction and, when overdosed, it can result in spontaneous death.

Special Note About Herb

Opium

To make a highly addictive narcotic drug, dried latex is employed. Fruit is cut into various shapes to gather the yellow-brown latex. It contains a variety of alkaloids, including apomorphine, morphine, codeine, thebaine, papaverin, and narcotine, among others.

Poppyseed Oil

Poppy seeds are used to make oil, which has several economic and health advantages. This oil has a lot of calcium and carbs and is high in linoleic acid. This acid offers protection against breast cancer and a variety of cardiovascular diseases. In cases of iron insufficiency, it is also used.

Habitat 

This annual herb's native range is the eastern Mediterranean, although it is also grown in Asia, Europe, and China. This plant is being grown in the United Kingdom for medical purposes.

Classification

• Kingdom - Angiosperma
• Family – Papaveraceae
• Order – Ranunculates

Synonyms

• Latin name – Papaver somniferum
• Bengali – Aaphi, aphim, and pasto
• Sanskrit name – Ahiphen
• Kashmiri – Aaphin, Aphen
• Urdu – khaskhashufaid
• Hindi – Post, Afeem, Afeem ka doda
• Telugu – Abhini, Gasalu

Properties

Effects on Dosha

This plant has the following properties: it is kapha hara, Madakari, Grahi (absorbent), Sukra stambhak, Swashar (excellent for the respiratory tract), Shoolprashmana (pain-alleviating), Balya (strengthening), Vrishya (aphrodisiac), and Nidrajanan (sedative).

It works best in the practices of atisara, kasa, jvara, and nidra nasha.

Practical Uses

• To treat cancer, seeds and leaves are anti-cancerous.
• Ulcers are treated using seed paste.
• Root decoction is a fantastic treatment for tumors and tough knots in the joints.
• Due to its vyavayi and vikashi characteristics, this herb is also utilized in the treatment of blood poisoning and alcohol withdrawal.
• Ahiphena is a great herb for the urinary system since it lowers the level of sugar in the urine.
• Additionally, it is antipyretic and highly effective for fever.
• Morphine's unique ability to lessen discomfort makes it best suited for usage in digestive system diseases.
• It also helps treat eye problems and raises intraocular pressure.
• When applied to dandruff, seed paste produces fantastic effects.
• This herb's suppositories are used for fissures, hemorrhoids, and a number of rectal ailments.
• It helps with pleuritis and other types of bodily inflammation.
• It harmonizes the body's kapha dosha.

Ayurvedic Products

• Ahiphenasav – Used in dysentery, severe diarrhea, and in gastroenteritis.
• Nidrodayavati for various disorders.
• Karpoor rasa pacifies vata and pitta and is used in fever and bleeding per rectum.
• Dughdavati
• Nidrodya rasa
• Kamini vidrawan ras

Dosage

• Morphine during pain and acute angina – 0.2 gm.
• Exudate – 30 to 50 mg
• Khas khas – 1 to 3 gm
• Codein – 0.5 gm
• Poppy seed oil – 1 to 4 drops
• Fatal dose – More than 2 gm of morphine causes drowsiness, respiratory arrest, cardiac arrest and finally death.

Part Used

Unripe capsule, seed, exudate from fruit and seed oil.