khas khas plant

History:

                          This is one of the oldest crops in the world, in use even before we began recording history. The seeds of this plant might innocuously enhance your morning bagel, and its flowers could add vibrant color to your garden, but its milk is central to one of today's significant health crises. This is the Opium Poppy.

Introduction:

                                  The Opium Poppy, also known as Papaver somniferum or Breadseed Poppy, is as vital for humanity as it is deadly. This self-pollinating annual can grow up to five feet tall and is part of the Papaveraceae family, which includes over 800 flowering plant species across 44 genera. While most of these are herbaceous, there are a few woody shrubs and small tropical trees to add variety. Many species in this family are popular garden flowers, showcasing beautiful blooms in a range of colors from white to pink, red to orange, and purple to yellow. The tiny seeds of these plants are dispersed by the wind through holes in the top of their dried seed capsules.

Cultivation Process:

Humans have been cultivating poppies for an incredibly long time. Evidence of opium poppy cultivation dates back to 6000 BCE during the Neolithic era across Europe, the Mediterranean, and West Asia. Although it's challenging to pinpoint the exact origin, scientists believe the opium poppy is native to what is now modern-day Turkey, Iraq, and Kuwait.

Seeds  as Food:

Initially, the seeds were used as a food source. However, by around 1500 BCE, the ancient Greeks noted the plant's sleep-inducing effects. The term "somniferum" translates to "sleep bringing" in Latin. The poppy family is lactiferous, meaning they produce natural latex. This latex can be clear, colored, or white and milky, like the latex from the opium poppy. Plant latex is a sap stored in a network of specialized cells called laticifers throughout the plant, except in the seeds. When the plant is cut or damaged, the latex leaks out.

Drug Extraction:

The compounds in this latex act as a natural defense against microbes and insects. The drugs heroin, morphine, and codeine are derived from this latex. Both the food and pharmaceutical industries harvest from the seed capsule of the plant. For opioids, the latex is collected five to ten days after the petals have fallen when it is still unripe. Timing is crucial: if harvested too early, the latex is watery, and if too late, it loses potency. Once dried, the latex turns from milky white to deep brown and contains about 10% morphine, which is the basis for various opioid drugs.

Maturation:

When the plant matures fully, poppy seeds form inside the capsules and can be collected for consumption. Initially, it was believed that poppy seeds did not contain opioid alkaloids because they form after the latex. However, in the late 1970s, it was discovered that consuming poppy seed bread could lead to a failed drug test. This is because, while the seeds themselves don't contain opiates, they can be contaminated with morphine from the capsules during harvest. Although most opioids are removed during processing, some traces remain. People on parole are sometimes advised to avoid poppy seeds to prevent false positive drug tests. Traces of opioids from poppy seeds can be detected in urine for up to 48 hours.

Dried poppy 's effect:

Dried poppy latex contains two types of opium alkaloids. One type, which includes morphine, codeine, and thebaine, affects the central nervous system and provides powerful pain relief but is highly addictive. The other type, including papaverine and noscapine, is antispasmodic and helps relax smooth muscles, like those in the digestive system. Poppy products like morphine and codeine are essential in hospitals for pain relief. Interestingly, poppy seeds are also used in medicine. For example, the poppy seed test checks for abnormal connections between the colon and bladder. The patient consumes poppy seeds, and their urine is monitored for the next two days to check for the presence of seeds.

Benefits:

While poppy seeds have beneficial uses,

•  The darker side of the opium poppy is the illicit drug heroin.
•  In 1898, it was discovered that treating morphine with acidic anhydride produces heroin, a drug four to eight times more potent and addictive than morphine. 
• In the 1930s, synthetic opioids mimicking heroin's effects, such as methadone and demerol, were developed. These opioids interact with brain receptors to suppress pain and elevate mood, creating a highly addictive sense of bliss.
•  For instance, if you are frequently thirsty and have a dry throat, consuming poppy seeds with dried grapes can help alleviate the problem.
•  Eating poppy seeds on an empty stomach in the morning helps in collagen production, which protects bones from damage.
•  Poppy seeds are a great source of soluble fiber, which strengthens the digestive system and speeds up metabolism.
•  Soaking poppy seeds in water overnight and consuming them in the morning can boost your metabolism.
• Poppy seeds are also helpful for skin and hair health. Their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, along with high levels of linoleic acid, aid in relieving skin infections. If you have any minor skin issues, using poppy seeds can be beneficial. They also contain minerals like calcium, which can reduce hair fall and promote hair growth, making your hair shiny and healthy.

Black poppy:

For instance, black opium, typically smoked rather than injected, can induce a dream-like state with just a few puffs. But while it provides a temporary escape, it doesn't solve underlying problems. Delicious, decorative, and dangerous—poppies are truly a triple threat in the plant world.

Flowering:

The flower of the poppy plant is quite beautiful. After some time, a seed pod, known as a "doda," forms. The doda is also a narcotic substance, and opium is extracted from this seed pod. When the fruit is fully ripe, an incision is made, and by the evening, a liquid starts oozing out. This liquid contains up to 12% morphine, which is a narcotic substance that causes intoxication.

Drawbacks:

However, poppy seeds have their drawbacks.

•  Regular consumption should be done under medical supervision. 
• While occasional use in cooking is generally safe, frequent consumption requires careful consideration.
•  Overuse can cause bloating and affect sleep. People with cold or cough should consume poppy seeds in moderation, as they have a cooling effect.
•  Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a doctor before using poppy seeds.

How to Grow?

1. For planting poppy seeds, the temperature should be between 21 and 22 degrees Celsius. In temperatures ranging from 12 to 22 degrees Celsius, the seeds will germinate easily, and the plants won’t die after sprouting. However, if you plant the seeds at around 25 degrees or higher, the plants will die. Therefore, ensure the temperature is between 12 and 22 degrees Celsius.
2. The seeds typically start germinating around the seventh day, though they might take 15 to 20 days due to sudden changes in weather. By the fifth day, the seeds usually begin to sprout, but cold or heat can delay this process.
3. The second update, after 13 days, shows that the seedlings have started developing leaves and look lovely. During this time, keep the seedlings in full sunlight.
4. After 23 days, the plants have grown large enough to be moved into bigger pots. 
5. After planting the seedlings, I water them lightly as the soil is already moist. If the soil were dry, I would use more water. After transplantation, keep the pot in a place with full sunlight and a temperature between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius.
6. After 18 days of transplantation, the plants have grown quite large and bushy. Excess moisture in the soil can harm the plants, so be cautious.
7. After 32 days, the plants have grown significantly, with buds forming and the first flowers blooming. After 43 days, the plants have become quite large, with many buds and flowers blooming together.