The Efficacy and Effects of Poppy Husk
Mar 13, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, poppy shell is the dried mature fruit peel of the poppy plant. Poppy shell has various therapeutic effects and functions, including analgesic (pain-relieving), sedative-hypnotic (calming and sleep-inducing), antitussive (cough-suppressing), intestinal astringent and antidiarrheal effects, and the ability to consolidate essence. Due to its potential for addiction and side effects, it should be used properly under the guidance of a physician. At the same time, the dosage and duration of medication must be strictly controlled during use to avoid long-term use and abuse.
Under normal circumstances, poppy shell is the dried mature fruit husk of the poppy plant. Poppy shell has various therapeutic effects and functions, including analgesia, sedation and hypnotic effects, antitussive and anti-asthmatic actions, intestinal astringency and antidiarrheal effects, and the ability to consolidate essence. The specific effects are as follows:
1. Analgesic Effect
Morphine-like substances in the poppy shell are its primary analgesic components. They can bind to opioid receptors in the human body, effectively blocking the transmission of pain signals, thereby achieving pain relief. It can alleviate pain without affecting the patient's consciousness or other sensations.
2. Sedative and Hypnotic Effects
Alkaloids contained in the poppy shell have sedative and hypnotic effects. They can inhibit excitation of the central nervous system, inducing a feeling of calmness and tranquility in patients, thus helping to improve sleep quality. However, this hypnotic effect is not long-lasting and is easily disturbed by external environmental factors.
3. Antitussive and Anti-Asthmatic Effects
Codeine in the poppy shell can inhibit respiratory gland secretion and reduce the excitability of the cough center, effectively relieving cough symptoms caused by various factors. At the same time, it can also relax bronchial smooth muscle to some extent, helping to alleviate asthma symptoms.
4. Intestinal Astringency and Antidiarrheal Effects
Poppy shell has an astringent effect on the intestines and can be used to treat prolonged diarrhea and dysentery. Especially in cases of uncontrolled diarrhea and involuntary bowel movements caused by spleen and stomach weakness and loss of intestinal control, poppy shell can exert an intestinal antidiarrheal effect, alleviating excessive intestinal motility and secretion, and helping to restore normal intestinal function.
5. Consolidation of Essence
The kidney stores essence, and when kidney qi is not firm, symptoms such as nocturnal emission and involuntary ejaculation may occur. The sour and astringent nature of poppy shell helps to consolidate kidney essence, reducing unnecessary loss of semen, and providing certain adjunctive therapeutic benefits for conditions involving failure of the kidney to retain essence.
Due to its addictive potential and side effects, it should be used appropriately under the guidance of a physician. Additionally, the dosage and duration of medication should be strictly controlled during use to avoid long-term use and abuse.
