The flowers that appear in fields as red carpets are called the corn poppy or corn rose. The poppy belongs to the poppy family (Papaveraceae) and has the botanical name Papaver rhoeas. It is used in various fields and is sometimes used as a medicinal plant, although it is rarely used as such nowadays.
Occurrence and cultivation of the corn poppy.
In contrast to the true poppy, corn poppy has a rather weak effect. The plant received the name corn poppy because its flowers “clap” together in the wind. The term originally comes from the Greek (“mekon” = poppy). The generic name Papaver, on the other hand, comes from Latin. “Papa” means “child’s pap” and “vernum” means “true.” The reason for this is the use of poppy juice in children’s porridge to help them sleep better. Other names by which the corn poppy is known are fire flower, fire poppy, field poppy, blood flower or corn rose. The annual to biennial herb reaches a growth height of up to ninety centimeters. As a rule, however, it does not grow so high – at least twenty centimeters, provided that it can grow undisturbed. Inside the stem of the plant is found milky sap, the stem is hairy and quite thin. In addition, it is hardly branched. The leaves of the plant grow around fifteen centimeters long and are lanceolate in outline. Their sections are serrated and roughly toothed. Corn poppy blooms mainly in the summer time. Their flowering period is between May and July. The flowers of the poppy are solitary at the end of the stem and are hermaphroditic. They have a double perianth and are many-petaled, with the flower’s hairy sepals falling off as they open. The diameter of the corollas ranges from five to ten centimeters, making them very lush compared to the stem. However, the size can also vary greatly between flowers. Poppies have a very typical color, usually purple or scarlet. However, purple or white petals can also be found. In the center of the flowers usually sits a black spot, often outlined in white – albeit very thin. The shape of the petals is reminiscent of crinkly crepe paper. This makes corn poppy easily recognizable. The capsule fruit of the corn poppy can grow to around two centimeters in size and contains several hundred seeds. The seeds it contains are sold commercially as poppy seeds. As a deep rooter, the poppy reaches a root depth of up to one meter. As a rule, the plant blooms for only a few days. It is not known where the corn poppy originally came from, but botanists assume North Africa or Eurasia. Through agriculture, the plant has spread throughout the world and can even be found in subtropical and permafrost zones. Its preference, however, is the temperate zone. The poppy is especially common in grain fields, but can also be found along paths or – deliberately sown – in wastelands and gardens.
Effect and application
In North Africa, the corn poppy is still used today for the production of makeup. For this purpose, the red dye in the flowers is used. As an ornamental plant, it is also found in domestic gardens under the name of silk poppy. In the trade, there are garden forms of Papaver rhoeas in a wide range of color variations. However, these are not natural, but rather cultivated like most ornamental plants. But the plant is also used in the kitchen. In addition to using the seeds in cooking and baking, the young petals are used in salads, for example. Their taste is reminiscent of that of cucumbers, with a slight hazelnut flavor. Thus, they serve as edible decoration in restaurants. In addition, the young, green fruits of the corn poppy are edible – as are the leaves, which can be cooked and prepared like spinach. Especially in folk medicine poppy was and is used. However, its efficacy is controversial, which is why today it is mainly found as a so-called decorative drug in tea mixtures. Orthodox medicine no longer uses poppy seeds in medicines. The reason for this is also the toxicity of various parts of the plant. Especially the milky sap is poisonous, whereas the young leaves are harmless when used in moderation. Excessive consumption of the seeds can nevertheless lead to gastrointestinal problems. Therefore, poppy seeds should be consumed only in moderation.The plant’s constituents include bitter substances and alkaloids, with the milky sap containing the mildly toxic rhoeadine. Symptoms of poisoning may include abdominal pain, vomiting, pallor and fatigue. Otherwise, mucilage and tannins can be detected in the plant, as well as papaverine, sinactin, berberine, and coptisine. In small quantities, corn poppy is still used for various ailments.
Health significance, treatment and prevention.
In contrast to the true poppy, corn poppy has a rather weak effect. Nevertheless, folk medicine uses it, for example, against skin problems and boils. Here, tea of the poppy is used externally in poultices and washes. Thus, mild inflammation or itching can be treated. In addition, when drunk internally, it can also help against various ailments. These include inner restlessness and nervousness, as well as insomnia. Poppy is also used against cough. In alternative medicine, it is said to have an expectorant and antispasmodic effect. In addition, it is said to have an analgesic effect. Traditionally, the plant was used to make syrup, which was given to children with colds. Apart from that, the plant is said to have a menstrual stimulating effect. Thus, menstrual cramps can be combated and regulated. Nevertheless, in case of ambiguity in its use, a homeopath or pharmacist should always be consulted.
