7592. Poppy Capsules

Nomenclature

Poppy heads.

Description and references

Fully grown, dried capsules of Papaver somniferum L., Papaveraceae. Habit. Europe, Asia. Constit. Capsules: 0.15-0.5% morphine and small amounts of other opium alkaloids. Seed: Fixed oil (poppy oil), albuminoids.

Use

For preparing emulsions—only the white seeds should be used. Seeds are chiefly used for making the oil, and in baking; the bluish-black variety is generally used in the US for baking.