Ahiphena(Opium)
Ahiphena(opium) is an annual herb growing to about 100 cm (40 in) tall. The plant is strongly glaucous, giving a greyish-green appearance, and the stem and leaves bear a sparse distribution of coarse hairs. It has been given this name as latex of this plant is like venom of cobra. It is commonly known as Opium or poppy seeds which are widely used as analgesic and sedative. Its hindi name is Khaskhas. It’s botanical name is Papaver somnifera which belongs to papaveraceae family.
Chemical Constituents –
It’s phytoconstituents are morphine, codeine, narcotine, thebaine, papaverine, narcinine, meconin, pianin, neopine, piconidine.
Properties –
• Analgesic
• Sedative
• Anti-inflammatory
• Aphrodisiac
• Expectorant
• Antidiarrhoeal
• Strength maker
• Digestive
• Antispasmodic
• Anti-depressant
Parts Used –
Latex and seeds are the parts of ahiphena which can be used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Powder 1-2 gm
• Seed 2-5 gm
• Latex 30-125 mg
Benefits –
• Diarrhea
Ahiphena decreases the frequency of bowel movements by slowing down the intestinal movements. It is indicated in severe diarrhea and also reduces abdominal pain associated with it.
• Cholera
In cholera, there is severe watery diarrhea which causes severe dehydration. Ahiphena reduces the number and frequency of loose stools and provides relief from severe muscle cramps.
• Breast Cancer
Poppy seeds contain oleic acid so it is used in breast cancer treatment.
• Joints Pain
It has anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic action on the body that provides relief in joint pain, gout, and arthritis.
• Heart Attacks
Poppy seeds oil keeps the heart healthy and provides strength.
• Muscular and other body Pains
It treats neuralgic as well as muscular pain. It also provides relief in painful piles, and tooth pain when opium centigram is placed in the hollow of the tooth.
• Insomnia
Poppy Seed milk mixed with sugar is also very effective in treating insomnia and in this poppy oil can also be used.
Side Effects –
It is highly addictive narcotic and is best to avoid for pregnant women, lactating mothers, aged people and children.
It is best avoided for chronic urinary tract infection, gastro enteritis and nephritis.
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