Poppy Seed
Papaver somniferum
C Laboratory / animal evidencePoppy seed is a nourishing seed with calcium, magnesium and healthy fats. There is no evidence for its use for sleep or calming.
Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim
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At a glance
Poppy seeds are the ripe seeds of Papaver somniferum, used in pastries, spreads and desserts around Afyon in Turkey. They provide calcium, magnesium and linoleic acid. The seed itself is not a narcotic, but unwashed seeds can carry trace morphine on their surface, so eating large amounts can cause a positive urine drug test.
Updated: October 15, 2026
ℹ Compiled from standard pharmacognosy references and clinical literature summaries where no formal EMA monograph exists.
What is it used for?
C Laboratory / animal evidence
Laboratory / animal evidence: Based only on laboratory (in vitro) or animal studies; not clinically proven in humans.
How do we rate evidence levels? →A nourishing seed containing calcium, magnesium and healthy fats. [1]
How is it used?
Food
Ground into poppy-seed paste or added to pastries, bread and desserts.
Amount: In cooking
[1]Safety & interactions
- Do not make "poppy seed tea" for sleep or calming: fatal poisonings have been reported from tea made with unwashed seeds.
- Eating large amounts can cause a positive urine drug test.
- Do not give concentrated poppy products to babies and young children.
Drug interactions
No recorded interactions
Side effects
- Rarely allergy
⚕ When to see a doctor
- If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
- If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
- If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs
Did you know?
Poppy seeds are so small that one gram holds about 3,000 of them. [1]
Frequently asked questions
Do poppy seeds make you sleepy?
Not in normal food amounts. Making poppy seed tea for sleep is dangerous.
Can poppy seeds affect a drug test?
Large amounts can; avoid them for a few days before a test.
Is poppy seed paste nutritious?
Yes, it is rich in calcium, magnesium and fat, but high in calories.
Sources
- EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible ConcernEFSA · 2022
- Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009
Cite This Page
Poppy Seed (Papaver somniferum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/poppy-seed/
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