Prickly Poppy
Botanical Background
The Prickly Poppy, or Argemone Mexicana, is native to Mexico and the
southwest USA. It is a member of the Papaveraceae family and grows very
readily and quickly from seed. The Prickly Poppy’s leaves and seeds are covered
with spines but it blooms delicate white flowers with yellow centers.
History
The properties of the Prickly Poppy plant have been utilized for both
medicinal and recreational purposes. It has treated many medical ailments
including fevers, inflammation, cancer and warts. The Prickly Poppy has even
been utilized as an anesthetic for surgery. Prickly Poppy was originally used by
Mexican and American natives as a smudging herb because the seeds produce a
latex ooze with narcotic properties. The natives also smoked the leaves and
petals to induce a euphoric sedative effect. Today, the purgative qualities of
the ooze treats warts, cold sores and blemishes and the expectorant effects of
the flower petals treat coughs and chest congestion.
The Effects
Prickly Poppy contains many alkaloid substances that are similar to other
psychoactive plants but without the hallucinogenic properties. The chemical
components of the Prickly Poppy include propopine, berberine and several
isoquinilines. When smoked, the Prickly Poppy mildly depresses the central
nervous system, reduces pain and produces euphoric effects.
Dosage
Usually one rolled cigarette of dried Prickly Poppy is sufficient to produce
an euphoric effect lasting for 30 minutes. This effect is similar to that of
cannabis. No side effects have been related to using Prickly Poppy and the
probability for addiction is low.
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