Evidence supporting the use of: Poppy
For the health condition: Anxiety

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Poppy, particularly species like Papaver somniferum (opium poppy), has a long history of use in traditional medicine for its sedative and calming properties, which have been employed to ease anxiety and nervousness. Historical records from ancient civilizations—including Sumerian, Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures—describe the use of poppy preparations to promote relaxation, alleviate distress, and induce sleep. The calming effects are attributed to the presence of alkaloids such as morphine and codeine, which act on the central nervous system. In traditional herbal medicine, especially in Europe and Asia, poppy extracts or infusions were commonly used to soothe nerves and reduce agitation. However, scientific evidence specifically supporting the use of unspecified poppy species for anxiety is limited. Modern research has focused primarily on the pharmacological effects of opium alkaloids for pain relief rather than for anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) purposes. Additionally, due to the high potential for dependence and adverse effects, the use of opium-derived substances is now strictly regulated and not recommended for anxiety treatment in clinical practice. Some related species, such as California poppy (Eschscholzia californica), have been studied more recently for mild sedative and anxiolytic effects, but these findings do not necessarily apply to unspecified or traditional poppy formulations. Overall, the use of poppy for anxiety is rooted in historical practices rather than robust scientific validation.

More about poppy
More about Anxiety

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alpha-pinene
alpha-terpineol
amino acids
Amor seco
anamu
Anemone
aniracetam
anise
apigenin
Ardisia
ash
ashwagandha
Asteraceae
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bacoside
bacteria
baicalein
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balsam
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bee products
benegut perilla (proprietary)
bergamot
beta caryophyllene
betony
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black cumin
black seed
blackboard tree
Bombax
borneol
brahmi
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bupleurum falcatum
calamus
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capillary artemisia
Capitate Valerian
cardamom
caryophyllene
catnip
catuaba
Centella asiatica
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chamomile
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chrysanthemum
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citron
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clove
cocoa
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cordyceps
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Curcuma
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dragonhead
epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG)
Erythrina
essential oil blend
eugenol
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fennel
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fungus
ganoderma
gardenia
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gastrodia
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hyperforin
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inositol
iridoids
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peony
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Products containing poppy

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.