Poppy

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Scent Synergies: Citrus

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Additional Notes: divider

The Poppy’s less honorable reputation is for Opium, a drug created from the milk of unripe seed pods, which causes a relaxed sedated effect. The variety used in production is the Breadseed Poppy (Papaver Somniferum), also colloquially known as the Opium Poppy. Many superstitions, myths, and magical uses attributed to the Poppy are related to this sedative effect. Alongside its use as a soporific, it is suggested to throw a handful of Poppy seeds if you are ever pursued by a Demon as it will be compelled to stop and count every seed before continuing. This same myth appears all across Europe, where Poppy seeds are often substituted with other things, such as Rice. The subject doing the chasing also changes.

Medicinally, the soporific qualities of Poppy have best been used as a sedative, and for pain relief. Even before they are processed for Opium, simply eating the seeds raw is a raw form of the drug which still creates a relaxing high that can calm nerves, ease tremors, and aid sleep. Other varieties in the Poppy family have medicinal qualities as well. Petals of the Corn Poppy (?) can be dried and taken as a Tea to help with colds and recovery from chest infections.- while the root of the California Poppy (?) can ease headaches and sleeplessness.

'Folk Magic and Healing: An Unusual History of Everyday Plants' by Fez Inkwright

Another flower that is commonly associated with death in Ukrainian culture is Poppy- the seed pods of which were traditionally used to prepare a sleeping potion. However, unlike Periwinkle, Poppies are never planted in the graveyards because they symbolize eternal sleep. It is common, however, to see Poppies on anonymous graves, former battlefields, or mass burials. In other words, places where they had buried those who died before their time and thus had the most potential to become “Walking Dead”.

Post about 'Radunitsa – A Week of Commemorating the Dead' by Magpie’s Corner, on Facebook

Seeds were sometimes scattered from the graves on the pathways back to the homes of the bereaved in order to occupy the spirit by way of the compulsion to count the seeds. This was done to ensure that the spirit would not follow the beloved back home. Flax seeds (Linum Usitatissiumum) were used for this in the Scandinavian tradition, and Poppy seeds (Papaver spp.) were used for the same in Russia.

'The Witch's Cabinet: Plant Lore, Sorcery, and Folk Tradition' by Corinne Boyer