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Poppy husk
罂粟壳 〔罌粟殼〕yīng sù ké (qiào)
Latin pharmacognostic name: Papaveris Pericarpium
Alternate English names: opium poppy husk
Alternate Chinese names: 烟斗斗 yān dǒu dǒu; 鸦片烟果果 yā piàn yān guǒ guǒ; 御米壳 yù mǐ ké; 粟壳 sù ké; 罂粟壳 yīng sù qiào
Kingdom: Plant
Origin in PRC Pharmacopoeia: Papaver somniferum L. (PRC Pharmacopoeia)
Origin (other sources): Papaver somniferum L.
Use: Medicinal
Category: Exterior-resolving agents
Properties: Astringent, sour; balanced; toxic.
Channel entry: Lung, kidney, and large intestine channels.
Indications:
- Astringes the intestines and checks diarrhea: Enduring diarrhea or dysentery.
- Constrains the lung and relieves cough: Enduring cough due to lung vacuity.
- Relieves pain: Stomach pain; abdominal pain; pain in the sinews and bones.
Dosage & Method: Oral: 3–6g in decoctions. It should be processed with honey to moisten the lung and treat cough or stir-fried with vinegar to relieve pain and check diarrhea.
Warnings: Yīng sù ké (qiào) should not be used singly for initial-stage cough or diarrhea, or in the presence of repletion evils. Furthermore, it should not be taken over prolonged periods because it is addictive. Acute poisoning is characterized by hypersomnia, contracted pupils, and inhibited respiration. Morphine, a constituent of poppy husk, is a Schedule II drug in the United States and is a controlled substance in most countries. Yīng sù ké (qiào) is thus illegal for practitioners in many countries to prescribe for internal use.
Quality: Large hard pale brown husks are the best.
Product Area: Asia and southern Europe.
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