Poppy tea: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Herbal tea made out of poppy straw or poppy seeds}}

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[[Image:Poppies-seeds-dry.png|thumb|right|275px|Dried poppy pods and seeds]]

'''Poppy tea''' is a [[narcotic]] [[analgesic]] [[tea]] which is brewed from the dried parts of the ''[[Papaver somniferum]]'' plant. It has been consumed as long as the poppy has been cultivated for its psychoactive effects. Depictions both in Asian literature as well as in Western literature (such as in [[opium den]]s) abound. In some locales, preparation of tea may be preferred to [[opium]] as the latex of the plant (itself the primary component of [[opium]]) is illegal.

{{Multiple issues|

Poppy tea contains two groups of [[alkaloid]]s: [[phenanthrene]]s (including [[morphine]] and [[codeine]]) and benzylisoquinolines (including [[papaverine]]). Of these, morphine is the most prevalent comprising 10%-16% of the total. Its effects derive from the fact that it binds to and activates μ-opioid [[sensory receptor|receptors]] in the brain, spinal cord, stomach and intestine.

{{more citations needed|date=December 2010}}

{{original research|date=August 2010}}

{{more medical citations needed|date=November 2017}}

}}

[[File:Poppies-seeds-dry.png|thumb|Dried poppy seed pods and stems (plate), and seeds (bowl). It belongs to the plant family Papaveraceae (common name poppy) the genus ''Papaver'' has two species containing morphine, codeine, thebaine, noscapine (also called narcotine), and papaverine.]]

'''Poppy tea''' is a [[herbal tea]] [[infusion]] brewed from [[poppy straw]] or [[Poppy seed|seeds]] of several species of [[poppy]]. The species most commonly used for this purpose is ''[[Papaver somniferum]]'', which produces [[opium]] as a natural defense against predators. In the live flower, opium is released when the surface of the bulb, called the seed pod, is pierced or scraped. For the purpose of the tea, dried pods are more commonly used than the pods of the live flower. The walls of the dried pods contain [[opiate]] [[Alkaloid|alkaloids]], primarily consisting of [[morphine]] and [[codeine]].

==Preparation==

Tea may be prepared from either the seed pods or the seeds themselves; however, pods are preferable because they have a higher concentration of active alkaloids. When pods are unavailable the seeds may be used instead, but it is worth noting that their potency can vary greatly between batches depending upon the way in which they were prepared. Some users report that poppy seeds bought in bulk have a higher yield than small containers sold in supermarkets. There have been one or two notable cases where a fatal overdose has been caused by a stronger than normal batch of poppy seeds, so care should be taken. Stalks can also be used, but the alkaloid contant is very much lower than in the poppy head so a much greater quantity of material is required.

The tea is consumed for its [[narcotic]] effect, and in small amounts for [[analgesic]], [[anti-diarrheal]], and [[sedative]] effects.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=2 March 2010 |title=EWS Report 000002 |url=https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs40/40404/sw-Opium_Tea.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811185229/https://www.justice.gov/archive/ndic/pubs40/40404/sw-Opium_Tea.pdf |archive-date=11 August 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=11 August 2024 |publisher=United States Department of Justice |page=2 }}</ref> It has also been known to be used as a method of relieving withdrawal symptoms. Use of such preparations originated in parts of Central and Eastern Europe, the Levant and Near East, and Central and South Central Asia millennia ago.

Dried poppy pods must first be prepared such that they have a high [[surface area]] for efficient extraction to be possible. When reduced to small pieces, for example in a food blender, they form what is known as poppy straw. Poppy straw is steeped in hot but not boiling water, which has been slightly acidified. Commonly, vinegar or citric acid is used for the acidification. Boiling the mixture degrades the alkaloids and does not significantly increase their solubility so it should be avoided. After steeping for a few minutes, the mixture is strained and the brown liquid is set aside for consumption. A second or third extraction may optionally be performed with fresh water to extract the remaining alkaloids.

The flowers of the poppy plant have long been used as a painkiller for soothing mild aches and pains (e.g. toothache, earache and sore throat), a mild sedative/relaxant, an expectorant for treating catarrh and coughs, as a digestive, and even for reducing the appearance of wrinkles and in lipstick.

==Consumption==

This tea is depicted both in [[Asian literature]], [[Western literature]], and is depicted as being available in [[opium den]]s.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/fales/exhibits/wilde/8opium.htm |title=Restyling the Secret of the Opium Den |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121011230357/http://www.nyu.edu/library/bobst/research/fales/exhibits/wilde/8opium.htm |archivedate=2012-10-11 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.opiummuseum.com/index.pl?pics&67 |title=Photo Gallery |publisher=Opium Museum |date= |accessdate=2013-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171007124448/http://www.opiummuseum.com/index.pl?pics&67 |archive-date=2017-10-07 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The tea is drank and its effects begin after about 30 minutes, lasting up to 8 hours. It is intensely bitter and the flavour may be improved by adding lemon juice, coffee, honey etc. Some juices, such as [[grapefruit]] juice may also inhibit [[histamine]] production, thus increasing the strength and duration of the opiate effects.

==Legality==

For convenience of consumption, the tea can be evaporated over a very low heat to make a thick, concentrated liquid or a completely dry powder. Some users recommend putting this material into gel caps to allow for dosage to be measured more carefully.

===Netherlands===

/.,,mn,mn,which are present in addition to the alkaloids. It should be noted that dried poppy tea is not the same as opium, as the former is made from the whole plant, whilst the latter is made from exuded [[latex]] alone. Some users bypass the tea altogether and simply add poppy straw to a foodstuff such as [[yogurt]]. This method is fairly effective at masking the taste, but may lead to more gastric discomfort than consuming tea or dried tea.

In the Netherlands, all parts of ''Papaver somniferum'' after harvesting (except for the seeds) are illegal by law, as they are Listed as drugs in the [[Opium Law]]. Because of use for decorative purposes, the trade in, and possession of dried ''Papaver somniferum'' is not actively prosecuted.{{citation needed|date=November 2017}} Trade in, or possession of dried ''Papaver somniferum'' with the intention of drug use can be prosecuted. The dried seed pod of ''Papaver somniferum'' is easily obtainable as it is commonly available for decorative use. Many varieties, strains, and cultivars of ''Papaver somniferum'' are in existence, and the alkaloid content can vary significantly.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cannabisbureau.nl/en/doc/pdf/Dutch%20Opium_Act_30556.pdf |title=Bureau voor Medicinale Cannabis &#124; Pagina niet gevonden |publisher=Cannabisbureau.nl |date=2013-03-19 |accessdate=2013-09-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130120032018/http://www.cannabisbureau.nl/en/doc/pdf/Dutch%20Opium_Act_30556.pdf |archive-date=2013-01-20 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

===United States===

It is relatively easy to overdose with poppy tea as the recreational dose is not greatly below the dose at which side effects become unpleasant or dangerous. Experienced users take a modest initial dose followed by small amounts over an extended period of time, in order to [[titration|titrate]] up to the desired level.

In the United States it is legal to purchase [[poppy seed]]s, but all other parts of the plant are considered Schedule II controlled substances under the federal [[Controlled Substances Act]] of 1970. Unwashed poppy seeds used to make poppy tea may contain lethal concentrations of [[morphine]] and [[codeine]].<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Powers |first1=Deborah |last2=Erickson |first2=Stephen |last3=Swortwood |first3=Madeleine J. |date=3 October 2017 |title=Quantification of Morphine, Codeine, and Thebaine in Home-Brewed Poppy Seed Tea by LC-MS/MS|journal=Journal of Forensic Sciences |volume=63 |issue=4 |pages=1229–1235 |doi=10.1111/1556-4029.13664 |pmid=28973785 |s2cid=206919379 |issn=0022-1198}}</ref> The Opium Poppy Exclusion Act of 1942 bans growing the poppy in many cases but is generally not a problem for gardeners as the plant is widely grown for the flowers, and for seeds for replanting and cooking. For much of US history poppies were a significant cash crop, and the government encouraged farmers to grow more poppies for medicinal use during wars up to World War I. It is, however, manufacture of a schedule II substance to create a drink for the opium content, and the possession of it is illegal as well.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/legislation/ucm148726.htm |title=Controlled Substances Act |publisher=FDA |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302014716/https://www.fda.gov/regulatoryinformation/legislation/ucm148726.htm |archivedate=2 March 2017}}</ref>

==Effects=Canada===

The import and sale of opium poppy seeds is legal in Canada,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-24.html#h-28 |title=Controlled Drugs and Substances Act(S.C. 1996, c.19) |publisher=Government of Canada |accessdate=2015-02-08 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131122143804/http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-38.8/page-24.html#h-28 |archivedate=2013-11-22 }}</ref> but possession of other parts of the plant may be prosecuted. Canadian authorities have noted the presence of '''dode''' or '''doda''' in the South Asian community, a traditional form of poppy tea. Crackdowns on this traditional preparation in the late 2000s led to a number of arrests in Canada.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.dosenation.com/listing.php?smlid=5629 |title=Ontario man arrested for 'doda' poppy preparation |publisher=Dosenation.com |date= |accessdate=2013-09-01 |archive-date=2018-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181224170611/http://www.dosenation.com/listing.php?smlid=5629 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |url=https://www.thestar.com/GTA/Crime/article/563693 |title=Police warn about street drug called Doda &#124; Toronto Star |work=Thestar.com |date=2009-01-08 |accessdate=2013-09-01 |archive-date=2012-10-13 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013065229/http://www.thestar.com/GTA/Crime/article/563693 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/popular-opium-like-drug-seized-in-b-c-1.847069|title=Popular opium-like drug seized in B.C.|publisher=|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/canada/breakingnews/83501747.html|title=Error Redirect|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press |publisher=|accessdate=30 April 2018|via=www.winnipegfreepress.com}} {{dead link|date=November 2017}}</ref><ref>[http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2010/03/17/13260631.html Doda drug bust in Peel Region] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120925030940/http://www.torontosun.com/news/torontoandgta/2010/03/17/13260631.html |date=2012-09-25 }}</ref>

==Chemical composition==

* Effects vary widely depending on dosage (amount of poppy straw used, alkaloid content of poppies and the quality of extraction), on individual sensitivity and on any opiate tolerance which has built up. The effects are likened to [[Percocet]] or [[Codeine]] and can last for up to 8 hours.

{{Unreferenced section|date=November 2012}}

Poppy tea contains two groups of [[alkaloid]]s: [[phenanthrene]]s (including [[morphine]] and [[codeine]]) and benzylisoquinolines[[benzylisoquinoline]]s (including [[papaverine]]).<ref>https://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/drug_chem_info/unwashed_poppy_seed.pdf Retrieved 12/16/24</ref> Of these, morphine is the most prevalent comprising 108%-1614% of the total. Its effects derive from the fact that it binds to and activates μ-opioid [[sensorymu opioid receptor|receptors]]s in the [[brain]], [[spinal cord]], [[stomach]] and [[intestine]].

Dried ''Papaver somniferum'' capsules and stems will, if harvested and dried by the usual protocol, contain significantly lower quantities of [[thebaine]] than opium made from [[latex]] as well as somewhat more codeine. When ingested, thebaine causes nausea, vomiting, and [[myoclonus]]. Thebaine is an important precursor for manufacture of pharmaceuticals, and is more concentrated in the roots of ''[[Papaver somniferum]]'' than elsewhere. Other species of poppies, numbering in the hundreds, do not contain morphine or codeine in useful amounts, but may contain non-narcotic alkaloids like [[protopine]], [[sanguinarine]] or [[berberine]].

* Poppy tea, like other opiates, is effective at dulling the sensation of pain. It can elicit in the user a feeling of calm, well-being and relaxation.

==Side effects and tolerance==

* Side effects increase with dosage, and include sleepinessdrowsiness, mild stomach ache, [[lethargy]], itching[[urinary retention]], slowed[[bradypnea]], breathing[[constipation]], [[nausea]], respiratory depression, and nauseadeath.<ref name=":0" /> Nausea can be attributed to the presence of [[noscapine]] and is more common in first time or inexperienced users. At high doses, the side effects are dangerous and can cause death, typically through cessation of breathing[[hypoventilation]] or chokingpulmonary onaspiration of vomit.<ref name=":0" />

Symptoms of [[Drug withdrawal|withdrawal]] include [[diarrhea]], [[vomiting]], [[perspiration|sweating]], [[anxiety]], [[rhinorrhea]], agitation, [[seizure|seizures]].<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Haber |first1=Irving |author-link=Irving Haber |last2=Pergolizzi Jr. |first2=Joseph |author-link2=Joseph Pergolizzi Jr. |last3=LeQuang |first3=Jo |author-link3=Jo Ann LeQuang |name-list-style=amp |date=5 February 2019 |title=Poppy Seed Tea: A Short Review and Case Study |journal=Pain and Therapy |volume=8 |issue=1 |publisher=National Library of Medicine (US govt. site) |doi=10.1007/s40122-019-0113-5 |pmid=30719627 |pmc=6513924 |at=Cases of Poppy Seed Tea Dependence from the Literature}}</ref>

* Frequent use will result in tolerance and dependence. [[Chemical dependency]] builds up after one to two weeks of daily usage, so it is generally recommended to not use poppy tea more frequently than once every few days. Frequent use followed by abrupt abstinance will give rise to [[withdrawal]] symptoms including leg and abdominal [[cramps]], [[vomiting|vomit]], [[diarrhea]], [[insomnia]], [[cravings]] and [[anxiety]]. Physical symptoms of withdrawal usually fade after a number of weeks but cravings and psychological dependence may continue for longer.

==Deaths==

== Analysis of Poppy Seed Tea ==

In the United States, in 2003, a 17-year-old who, according to his parents, was self-treating his anxiety with home-brewed poppy seed tea, died of pulmonary edema caused by acute morphine and codeine intoxication.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=4132469&page=1|title=Homebrewed High -- Can Poppy Tea Kill?|date=16 January 2008|website=ABC News|accessdate=30 April 2018|archive-date=23 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923234325/https://abcnews.go.com/Health/PainManagement/story?id=4132469&page=1|url-status=live}}</ref> A Drug Alert posted by the [[United States Department of Justice|DOJ]] in 2010 pointed to five deaths possibly resulting from drinking of poppy tea.<ref>[https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Poppy%20letter_FINAL2_0.pdf Poppy letter - Center for Science in the Public Interest] [https://web.archive.org/web/20190519130602/https://cspinet.org/sites/default/files/attachment/Poppy%20letter_FINAL2_0.pdf Archived]</ref> Since 2010, not less than 10 deaths presumably related to poppy tea consumption were reported by the [[Food and Drug Administration|FDA]]'s [[Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition Adverse Event Reporting System]] (CAERS).<ref>[https://cspinet.org/news/cspi-urges-fda-dea-crack-down-unwashed-poppy-seeds CSPI Urges FDA, DEA to Crack Down on Sale of Contaminated Poppy Seeds: At Least 12 U.S. Deaths Are Associated with ‘Tea’ Made with Poppy Seeds or Pods], April 3, 2019, ''Center for Science in the Public Interest'' [https://web.archive.org/web/20190519131153/https://cspinet.org/news/cspi-urges-fda-dea-crack-down-unwashed-poppy-seeds Archived]</ref>

In Canada, on 19 May 2012, a 19-year-old from [[Nova Scotia]] died after drinking the tea from a poppy seed pod he purchased on the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/nova-scotia/n-s-family-warns-of-poppy-seed-tea-dangers-1.1208439|title=CBC News - Nova Scotia family warns of poppy seed tea dangers|access-date=30 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518042603/http://www.cbc.ca/m/rich/health/story/2012/06/04/ns-marchand-poppy-seed.html|archive-date=18 May 2013|url-status=live|df=dmy-all}}</ref>

Following an unfortunate case of fatal overdose in 2005, a sample of poppy Seed tea was sent for laboratory analysis. The concentration of [[morphine]] in the tea was shown to be around 250 ug/ml and the amount of morphine which had been consumed by the individual was around 500 mg. This is about five times the lethal oral dose for an individual without [[opiate]] [[tolerance]].[http://www.erowid.org/ask/ask.cgi?ID=3107] Note: tolerant users can consume much greater amounts without harm: studies in the early 1900's on [[heroin]] addicts showed that when given increased doses over time, patients were able to handle over 100 times the normal lethal dose.

In November 2012, a [[Tasmania]]n youth died after drinking tea brewed from seed heads, and a 50-year-old Tasmanian man died in similar circumstances in February 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-28/teen-dies-from-drinking-poppy-tea/4397570|title = Teen dies after drinking poppy tea|date = 29 November 2012|accessdate = 16 December 2012|publisher = Australian Broadcasting Corporation|author = unknown|archive-date = 10 May 2017|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170510044058/http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-11-28/teen-dies-from-drinking-poppy-tea/4397570|url-status = live}}</ref>

==Warnings==

Some instances of death or injury associated with the consumption of poppy seed tea have involved users who combined the beverage with other nervous system depressants (i.e. [[alcohol (drug)|alcohol]], [[Sedative|tranquillizers]], [[Benzodiazepine|benzodiazepines]]).<ref>McKenna, K. (2014, Dec. 5). Poppy seed tea fatality prompts drug alert from coroner. ''The Courier Mail.'' Retrieved from https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/poppy-seed-tea-fatality-prompts-drug-alert-from-coroner/news-story/d8c34033bd0804e4e40e835eda755074</ref><ref>Bailey, K., Clay, D., Kraner, J., et al. (2010, Oct.). Fatality Involving the Ingestion of Phenazepam and Poppy Seed Tea. ''Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 34'' (8), 527-573.</ref>

* It is possible to overdose and die on poppy tea. Treatment, which must be prompt, includes the administration of an opiate antagonist such as [[naloxone]] or [[naltrexone]].

==References==

*In the event of an overdose, call emergency services immediately and do not leave the patient alone. Try to keep him/her awake and ensure that they do not stop breathing or choke on their vomit. Administer [[CPR]] if necessary.

{{Reflist|30em}}

{{Opioidergics}}

*Do not combine poppy tea with other [[CNS]] [[depressant]] drugs such as [[alcohol]] or [[benzodiazepines]], as these can enhance the effects which slow down breathing. Similarly, it can be dangerous to combine poppy tea with stimulant drugs (e.g. [[cocaine]] or [[amphetamine]]) since these substances can mask the effects of the opiate until they wear off, at which point an overdose can occur.

{{DEFAULTSORT:Poppy Tea}}

*As with any new substance, users are advised to start with a small quantity and gradually increase the dose. It is always advisable to have a sitter, i.e. a person who remains sober and who can act in the case of an emergency.

[[Category:Medicinal herbs and fungiplants]]

==Trivia==

*The 1967 version of [[Casino Royale]] mentions poppy seed tea.

==See also==

*[[Opium]]

*''[[Papaver somniferum|P. somniferum]]''

*[[Addiction]]

*[[Tea]]

==External links==

*[http://www.poppies.org/faq/poppy-tea/how-do-you-make-poppy-tea-basic-poppy-tea-recipe/ Poppy Tea Recipe]

*[http://www.poppyseedtea.com POPPYSEEDTEA.COM - An objective site on risks of poppy seed tea]

*[http://www.poppies.org/faq/poppy-tea/ Poppy Tea FAQ]

*[http://www.pharm-text.com/opiates/risks/ Severe allergic reactions from poppy seed tea]

*[http://www.pharm-text.com/opiates/TR/1/ Poppy Seed Tea Experience]

[[Category:Medicinal herbs and fungi]]

[[Category:Opioids]]

[[Category:Poppy seeds]]

[[Category:Euphoriants]]

[[Category:Opium culture]]