Overview

Poppy seed is the seed from the poppy plant (Papaver somniferum). It's used in cooking. The seed pod contains opium, a source of opiates such as morphine.

Poppy seeds don't contain opiates naturally, but the seeds can become coated with opiates during harvesting or by insects. Because of this, the amount of opiates on poppy seeds varies widely. Ready-to-eat poppy seeds have been processed to remove opiates.

People use poppy seed to diagnose an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder (vesicoenteric fistula). It's also used for cough, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

Likely Effective for

  • Diagnosing an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder. Taking poppy seed by mouth seems to be effective for diagnosing an abnormal connection between the bowel and the bladder called a vesicoenteric fistula.

There is interest in using poppy seed for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Poppy seed is commonly used as a spice or flavoring in foods. Foods containing up to about 50 grams of poppy seed can be eaten safely. Poppy seed is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. But eating very large amounts of poppy seed is possibly unsafe as it might block the bowels. Some people might also be allergic to poppy seed.

Drinking poppy seed tea is possibly unsafe. Poppy seed tea is made by soaking poppy seeds in water. When poppy seed is soaked in water, the morphine and other opiates on the outer surface of the poppy seed can seep into the water. Drinking this water can cause side effects or death due to the opiate content.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Poppy seed is commonly used as a spice or flavoring in foods. Foods containing up to about 50 grams of poppy seed can be eaten safely. Poppy seed is possibly safe when used in larger amounts as medicine, short-term. But eating very large amounts of poppy seed is possibly unsafe as it might block the bowels. Some people might also be allergic to poppy seed.

Drinking poppy seed tea is possibly unsafe. Poppy seed tea is made by soaking poppy seeds in water. When poppy seed is soaked in water, the morphine and other opiates on the outer surface of the poppy seed can seep into the water. Drinking this water can cause side effects or death due to the opiate content.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Poppy seed is commonly used as a spice or flavoring in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if poppy seed is safe to use in larger amounts as a medicine when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.

Allergy to other plants: People who are allergic to hazelnut, rye grain, kiwi, sesame, or buckwheat might also be allergic to poppy seed.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Poppy Seed overview.

Dosing

Poppy seed is commonly used as a spice or flavoring in foods. But as medicine, there isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of poppy seed might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.