Red Poppy Flowers Profile
Also known as
Also known as- papaver rhoeas, corn poppy, Flanders poppy, Shirley poppy, wild poppy, eternal love flower.
Introduction
Red poppies are arguably the most popular wild flower in the world. They are indigenous to Europe and the British Isles, and have been naturalized in North America. They will be forever associated with World War One, where the most famous poem of that war, written by John McCrae in 1915, begins with: "In Flanders's fields, the poppies blow, among the crosses row on row." They have been come to be a symbol of the sacrifice of shed blood by soldiers, and an international symbol of remembrance of those lost during times of war. They are now considered the official symbol of the American Legion. Red poppies have been known and utilized by man for centuries. They were found in Egyptian tombs dating to 3000 B.C.E. The Greeks and Romans let them grow among the corn, even stating that the corn could not grow without them. In Greek mythology they represent the Goddess Demeter, and were often used as an offering to the dead.
Parts Used
The whole flower.
Typical Preparations
They can be taken in teas, or in capsule form when powdered.
Summary
Throughout history, red poppies have been known not only for their simple and elegant beauty, but also for their mild sedative qualities. Although nowhere near as strong as their opiate-bearing relatives, they have been used as a curative for sleeplessness for centuries. Both the flowers and to some degree, the leaves, have been used as a bright red dye for clothes.
Precautions
Be sure to declare the use of any type of poppies before a submitting to a drug test as they may show up.
This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
