Everything you need to know about poppy: properties and uses, even in the kitchen

Poppy is a widely known flower. However, few people know about its properties and the variety of uses.

The common poppy, also known by the names of rosolaccio or paparina, is a flowering plant very common in the Italian peninsula. Easily recognizable because of its characteristic red flowers, the poppy grows in the fields and on the roadside . It can reach 90 centimeters in height.

Although this flower is widely known , not many people know its beneficial properties and the variety of its uses.

The beneficial properties of paparina

Poppy is a flower known in the field of phytotherapy because of its beneficial properties.

First, let’s remember its ability to act as a narcotic . Thanks to its content of alkaloids and anthocyanins, it promotes sleep and has calming properties . Not surprisingly, poppy falls into the category of anti-stress foods .

Among the other properties, we mention those expectorants : the paparina favors the decongestion of the respiratory tract. Finally, thanks to the presence of phytosterol, a chemical compound with a structure similar to cholesterol, but of plant origin, it is able to decrease the concentration of bad cholesterol in the blood.

Poppy, uses and contraindications

As previously stated, poppy has sedative and calming properties. In order to take advantage of these benefits, it is necessary to prepare an infusion . The herb tea of ​​rosolaccio is prepared through the use of its petals . The latter can be purchased in herbal medicine or on the web in herbal tea cuts , specially created for this purpose.

An infusion should contain about five grams of petals. After heating the water and bringing it to the boil, add the herbal tea cut and leave to infuse for about ten minutes. After having filtered, you can consume the drink.

Against cough and congested ways, it is possible to make a syrup . After adding about 100 grams of petals in 250ml of boiling water, get an airtight container and let it sit for about 12 hours. The result will be filtered. After that, take a saucepan, put it on the fire over low heat and add inside what is obtained by filtering and 350 grams of sugar . Stir to thicken. The final product will be put in a container and left to cool. As for consumption, maximum 2/3 spoons per day, in adults.

Finally, it is also good to remember the poppy mother tincture . Taking a few drops before going to sleep will help balance sleep.

When using poppy you have to be careful not to exceed the recommended doses. In fact, although the plant is considered harmless, consuming more than 6/7 grams per day could cause side effects . In some people it may cause allergic reactions and nausea. Always seek advice from an expert before use.

Poppy seeds: how to use them in the kitchen

Poppy is a highly appreciated flower in the culinary field . Its seeds (but also its leaves and sprouts) are used in various recipes.

Seeds are often used in simple recipes. It is not uncommon to find bread, crackers or pizza doughs topped with paparina seeds on the surface. However, although the latter are an excellent source of protein, fat, mineral salts and vitamins, they are extremely caloric : they are therefore not recommended in a low-calorie diet. As for the sprouts , they have long been used as an addition to salads or mixed salad.

The part of the rosolaccio most used in cooking are its leaves . The latter, in different Italian regions, are harvested from the young plant, before the inflorescences appear, and eaten raw , finely chopped and seasoned with salt, oil and lemon.

However, it is not uncommon to see them eaten fried or boiled . In short, there are many uses. In fact, you can also use them as a filling for patties or for fresh pasta.

Photo source: https://pixabay.com/it/photos/papavero-papavero-rosso-fiore-rosso-834203/