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

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Poppy, referring generally to species within the genus Papaver (such as Papaver somniferum or Papaver rhoeas), has a longstanding history of use in traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of insomnia and sleep disturbances. The most notable is the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), from which compounds like morphine and codeine are derived, both known for their sedative properties. In various cultures, poppy seed extracts or infusions have been used as mild sedatives, particularly for children and the elderly, to encourage sleep. For example, in European folk medicine, poppy syrup and teas were historically administered for this purpose. However, the use of poppy for insomnia is primarily supported by tradition rather than robust scientific evidence. Most modern studies focus on isolated alkaloids (such as morphine) rather than whole poppy preparations, and these substances are associated with significant risks, including dependency and respiratory depression. Non-opium varieties like the red poppy (Papaver rhoeas) have been used in traditional European medicine as gentle sedatives, but scientific studies on their efficacy and safety are sparse and often inconclusive. As such, while traditional use is well-documented, contemporary clinical validation is lacking, and the use of poppy for insomnia is not generally recommended in evidence-based medical practice.

More about Poppy
More about Insomnia

Other ingredients used for Insomnia

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
amino acids
ashwagandha
waterhyssop
benegut perilla (proprietary)
black cumin
Indian frankincense
rice
calcium
California poppy
cassia bark
chamomile
cherry
Chinese salvia root
cinnamon
Coptis chinensis
fennel
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
gooseberry
gotu kola
greek mountain tea
heartwood
hops
jujube
kava root
kudzu
l-tryptophan
lactium casein decapeptide
lavender
maca
magnesium
magnolia
marine lipid
melatonin
moringa
motherwort
ophiopogon root
orange
passionflower
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pollen
polygala root
quail egg
reishi mushroom
rose oil
saffron
sage
scrophularia root
skullcap
valerian root
vitamin B6
zinc
catnip
tangerine
anise
blackboard tree
lingzhi
lingusticum wallichii
morus
silk tree
chrysanthemum
amber
ganoderma
lotus seed
anemarrhena asphodeloides
purslane
aster root
peach
wood betony
goji berry
soursop
Aralia
Agastache
Alpha-terpineol
Angelica
Apigenin
Anamu
Albizia
Agarwood
Anemone
Alpha lactalbumin
Agrimonia pilosa
Arani
Atractylone
Betony
Black Seed
Baikal Skullcap
Blackthorn
Balsam
Bayleaf
Big Quaking Grass
Banyan
Brahmi
Borassus Palm
Borassus aethiopum
Bupleurum
Centella triterpenes
Chinese Silkvine
Clary sage
Clerodendrum trichotomum
Cactus
Cyathula
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Cannabinol
Cymbopogon Martini
Calea zacatechichi
Centella asiatica
Capitate Valerian
Corktree
Cowslip
Cannabidiol
Calamus
Cherimoya
Corydalis
Carthamus
Clerodendrum indicum
Dragonhead
David's Milkberry
Doxylamine succinate
European Elder
Erodium cicutarium
Elk antler
Elephant's Head
Embelia
Glycine
jasmine
Lotus
Lily
Little ironweed
Mallow
Milk Protein
Mimosa
Orchid
Poppy
Rose
Spikenard
Sandalwood
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
walnut

Products containing Poppy

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