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 dens) 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.
Poppy tea contains two groups of alkaloids: phenanthrenes (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 receptors in the brain, spinal cord, stomach and intestine.
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.
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.
Consumption
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.
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.
[subject vandalized],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.
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 titrate up to the desired level.
Effects
- 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.
- 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 increase with dosage, and include sleepiness, lethargy, itching, slowed breathing and nausea. 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 or choking on vomit.
- 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, 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.
Analysis of Poppy Seed Tea
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.[1] 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.
Warnings
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Trivia
- The 1967 version of Casino Royale mentions poppy seed tea.