Overview

Poppy seed is the seed from the poppy plant.

Poppy seed is sometimes used to diagnose an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder (vesicoenteric fistula). People also take poppy seed for asthma, constipation, cough, diarrhea, and insomnia, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

In foods, poppy seed is used to make cakes, pastries, filling, glaze, or porridge.

In manufacturing, poppy seed oil is used to make soap, paint, and varnish.

How does it work ?

Poppy seed might help prevent some types of cancer from developing.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Likely Effective for

  • Diagnosing an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder (vesicoenteric fistula). Research shows that a poppy seed test can be used to diagnose this condition. For this test, people who might have vesicoenteric fistula eat 35-250 grams of poppy seed mixed in a yogurt or beverage. The person's urine is monitored for 48 hours afterwards. If poppy seed is seen in the urine, the person is diagnosed with this condition.

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Asthma.
  • Constipation.
  • Cough.
  • Diarrhea caused by infection.
  • Insomnia.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of poppy seed for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Poppy seed is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken in amounts commonly found in food. In some people, eating poppy seed can cause allergies, but this is uncommon.

Poppy seed is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in larger amounts used for medical purposes. A single beverage or yogurt containing 35-250 grams of poppy seed has been used safely.

Drinking poppy seed tea is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Poppy seed tea is made by soaking poppy seeds in water. The outer surface of poppy seed can contain morphine and other opiates. When poppy seed is soaked in water to make the tea, the morphine and other opiates can seep into the water. Drinking this water can cause side effects or death due to the opiate content.

Eating very large amounts of poppy seeds is also POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Eating very large amounts of poppy seed might block the bowels. But this is very uncommon.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Poppy seed is LIKELY SAFE for most adults when taken in amounts commonly found in food. In some people, eating poppy seed can cause allergies, but this is uncommon.

Poppy seed is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in larger amounts used for medical purposes. A single beverage or yogurt containing 35-250 grams of poppy seed has been used safely.

Drinking poppy seed tea is POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Poppy seed tea is made by soaking poppy seeds in water. The outer surface of poppy seed can contain morphine and other opiates. When poppy seed is soaked in water to make the tea, the morphine and other opiates can seep into the water. Drinking this water can cause side effects or death due to the opiate content.

Eating very large amounts of poppy seeds is also POSSIBLY UNSAFE. Eating very large amounts of poppy seed might block the bowels. But this is very uncommon. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Poppy seed is LIKELY SAFE for pregnant and breast-feeding women in food amounts. But larger medicinal amounts should be avoided until more is known.

Allergy to other plants: People who are allergic to poppy seed might also be allergic to hazelnut, rye grain, kiwi, sesame, or buckwheat. If you are allergic to poppy seed, be sure to check with your healthcare provider before taking these other foods or supplements.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for POPPY SEED overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:
BY MOUTH:
  • For diagnosing an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder: 35-250 grams of poppy seed are mixed with a drink or yogurt and taken by mouth. Urine is monitored for 48 hours thereafter.
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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.