Botanical name : Papaver somniferum Linn.
Family : Papaveraceae
SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Ahiphena, Khasatila, Subhrapushpa, Aphena
AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Tikta, Kashaya
Guna : Sookshma, Rooksha, Vyavayi
Virya : Ushna
Vipaka : Katu
Prabhava : Madakari
PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Opium poppy
Hindi : Kaskas, Aphim
Malayalam : Avin, Karuppu, Kasakasa
Distribution – Cultivated in Rajasthan, Utter predesh and Madhya Pradesh states in India, and in Afghanistan and some parts of Europe.
PLANT DESCRIPTION
An erect annual herb, grows up to 60 cm in height. Leaves are solitary, alternate, lobed or toothed irregularly; flowers large bright red or white; fruits large globular capsules. Seeds white or dark brown.
MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated vata, pitta, pain, diarrhea, colic, muscle spasm, insomnia, insanity, premature ejaculation, in controlled dose. In excess dose it acts as a narcotic.
Useful part : Fruits, seeds, petals, fruit extracts.
Photo : Dinesh Valke.
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