Kasa Kasa / Opium Poppy Powder

Kingdom: Plantae

Family: Papaveraceae

Genus: Papaver

Species: P. somniferum

Binomial name: Papaver somniferum

The poppy plant is botanically known as Papaver somniferum and has been used as a traditional remedy for centuries. The native of this plant is Eastern Mediterranean. The flowers of this plant come in various colors, it is primarily white and yellow.

The flowers produce round, small, black, bluish, or light to dark gray color seeds depending on the place where it is cultivated. These seeds are used in traditional dishes and baked goods worldwide. The poppy seeds, powder, and oil have numerous health benefits, which are traditionally used to treat asthma, cough, and insomnia.

Health Benefits

• The poppy seeds are rich in manganese, which is an important mineral for bone health and preventing blood clotting.
• Some research proves, adding poppy seeds to the diet will help to improve overall health and reduce the risk of heart problems.
• Poppy seeds contain a good amount of codeine, morphine, thebaine, and other alkaloids, which are well-known for calming, pain-relieving, and sleep-inducing properties.
• Due to the presence of medicinal properties, poppy seed powder helps to treat all kinds of skin-related problems, and also it is used to heal wounds.
• Poppy seeds are rich in fiber, it helps to improve gut health and reduce constipation.