As indicated on the Main Poppy Page, Opium Poppies are the most well known of the Papavar family as far as medicinal uses.  Historically, Opium derived from these poppies been used medicinally mainly for pain relief and sedation, always by eating or smoking the Opium.  Today, derivatives of Opium Poppies (one of the most cultivated medicinal herbs in existence) are used in many familiar medications that are strictly controlled by the government because of their addictive properties.  These include morphine, heroin, and codeine, to name just a few familiar ones.

The list of well-known people who have used Opium recreationally or for inspiration in their work is long, and includes such notables as Elizabeth Barrett Browning, Charles Dickens, Pablo Picasso, and Edgar Allen Poe.  The high produced by ingesting or smoking raw opium is described as a sensual and relaxing, with everything seeming more vivid and colorful. 

The Corn Poppy has been used through history as a remedy for bronchitis, colds, coughs, to loosen congestion, and as a mild sedative, though scientific proof of these benefits seems sketchy at this point.  Crushed, fresh or dried flower petals are used in a tea for these purposes - about 2 teaspoons per cup in boiling water up to three times per day.

The California Poppy has been used traditionally mainly as a remedy for toothaches (the root cut and the juices applied directly), and as a tea for headaches, anxiety, and insomnia.  Children seem to benefit from this for mild cases of colic, sleeplessness, and tension or anxiety.  Prepare as above for these conditions. 

The Icelandic, Oriental, and Mexican poppies, though not overtly poisonous, are not generally used medicinally today.