Poppy Seeds
From God's
Banquet Table In the 17th century, opium
addiction swept through China. In the 20th century,
narcotic addiction has reared its ugly head from man’s
production of heroin. It would seem that this lovely
little flower was created by the Devil himself. Yet the
alkaloids that are produced by the juices that surround
the unripe seed have been a blessing to those suffering
great pain.
Between 5 and 700 AD, it became widely
used in treating cholera and dysentery. The natural
presence of alkaloids, such as codeine acts as a
painkiller when the seeds are infused with water. As a
lotion, it may soothe skin and mouth disorders.
Poppy seeds that are commonly sold in
supermarkets do not contain the natural alkaloids
because they are lost when the seed ripens, leaving only
trace amounts. Poppy seeds are excellent sprinkled on
salads, bread and rolls. When crushed, they add a
delicious addition to curry and are an effective
thickener. The seeds can be soaked in water and taken as
natural pain relief.
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