--- title: "Poppy Seed: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex" description: "Poppy seed is a nourishing seed with calcium, magnesium and healthy fats. There is no evidence for its use for sleep or calming." language: en url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/poppy-seed/ source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com) --- [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) # Poppy Seed Papaver somniferum C Laboratory / animal evidence Poppy seed is a nourishing seed with calcium, magnesium and healthy fats. There is no evidence for its use for sleep or calming. [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim Pregnancy **Generally safe** Breastfeeding **Generally safe** Children **Caution** Drug interactions **No recorded interactions** ## 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. **Parts used:** seeds **Key constituents:** Linoleic Acid, Calcium & Magnesium, Trace Opium Alkaloids (surface contamination) 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 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. \[1\] \[2\] ### 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 1. [EFSA Compendium of Botanicals Reported to Contain Naturally Occurring Substances of Possible Concern](https://www.efsa.europa.eu/en/data-report/compendium-botanicals) EFSA · 2022 2. [Trease and Evans Pharmacognosy (16th Edition)](https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780702029332/trease-and-evans-pharmacognosy) Elsevier Health Sciences · 2009 ### Cite This Page Poppy Seed (Papaver somniferum). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/poppy-seed/ ## Related guides and comparisons - [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/) - [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/) - [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/) ## On this page At a glance What is it used for? How is it used? Safety & interactions Did you know? Frequently asked questions Sources Related herbs ## Related herbs ### [Rose Hip](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/rose-hip/) B Limited clinical evidence Rosa canina A fruit rich in vitamin C. A special rose hip powder helped reduce pain in knee and hip osteoarthritis in small clinical studies. 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[Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Spice](https://herbadex.com/en/form/spice/) ### [Sesame](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/sesame/) B Limited clinical evidence Sesamum indicum The seed behind tahini and simit. It contains healthy fats, protein and lignans; small studies saw modest falls in cholesterol and blood pressure. [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Black Mulberry Syrup](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-mulberry-syrup/) T Traditional use Morus nigra A black mulberry syrup traditionally used in Anatolia for mouth ulcers and sore throats. It is rich in anthocyanins and high in sugar. [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ### [Terebinth Berry](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/terebinth-berry/) T Traditional use Pistacia terebinthus The roasted fruit of terebinth, a wild pistachio. Its "coffee" is loved in South-East Anatolia; respiratory uses are traditional only. [General Nutrition](https://herbadex.com/en/for/general-nutrition/) [Respiratory, Throat & Mouth](https://herbadex.com/en/for/respiratory/) [Syrup & Paste](https://herbadex.com/en/form/syrup-paste/) ## Other herbs in the same preparation form (Seed) [Seed →](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Chasteberry Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/chasteberry-seed/) A Strong clinical evidence Vitex agnus-castus Chasteberry dry extract may help with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS); regular use for 3 months is recommended for effect. [Women’s Health](https://herbadex.com/en/for/womens-health/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Flaxseed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/flaxseed/) A Strong clinical evidence Linum usitatissimum Taken with plenty of liquid, flaxseed may help soften stools in habitual constipation; drinking enough fluid with it is essential. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Black Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/black-seed/) B Limited clinical evidence Nigella sativa A spice seed for which small studies saw modest falls in blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure. Kitchen amounts are safe. [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Heart & Circulation](https://herbadex.com/en/for/heart-circulation/) +1 [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) ### [Cumin](https://herbadex.com/en/herb/cumin/) B Limited clinical evidence Cuminum cyminum An essential spice for meatballs and pulses. Small clinical studies saw mild benefit for bloating, IBS symptoms and weight control. [Digestion](https://herbadex.com/en/for/digestion/) [Metabolism, Weight & Blood Sugar](https://herbadex.com/en/for/metabolism/) [Seed](https://herbadex.com/en/form/seed/) This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.