# Field Poppy (Papaver rhoeas)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/field-poppy
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-01
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Papaver rhoeas, Corn poppy, Red poppy, Flanders poppy, Common poppy, Corn rose, Field red poppy, Headache poppy, Red corn poppy, Shirley poppy

## Overview

Field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) contains rhoeadine alkaloids that may provide mild sedative effects through interaction with central nervous system receptors. The plant also supplies minerals like magnesium and phosphorus, though scientific evidence remains limited to traditional use reports.

## Health Benefits

• Provides mild sedative effects due to rhoeadine alkaloids, though no human trials confirm this. • Potential mineral benefits, supplying approximately 1.6–2.0 mg magnesium and 4–5 mg phosphorus per glass of infusion. • May possess polyphenol and vitamin correlations beneficial for health, though not clinically substantiated. • Utilized historically in European traditional medicine for sedative purposes. • Contains bioactive compounds like protopine, which are detected via mass spectrometry.

## Mechanism of Action

Rhoeadine alkaloids in field poppy interact with central nervous system receptors to produce mild sedative effects, though the exact receptor binding mechanisms remain unstudied. The plant's polyphenolic compounds may contribute to antioxidant activity through [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing pathways. Mineral content including magnesium supports enzymatic functions and phosphorus aids cellular [energy metabolism](/ingredients/condition/energy).

## Clinical Summary

No human clinical trials have been conducted on field poppy extract or its isolated compounds. Traditional use reports suggest mild sedative properties, but these lack quantified dosing or placebo-controlled methodology. Laboratory analysis confirms alkaloid presence and mineral content (1.6-2.0 mg magnesium, 4-5 mg phosphorus per infusion), though bioavailability studies are absent. Evidence quality remains at the traditional knowledge level without scientific validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Field Poppy (Papaver rhoeas) petals and flowers used in herbal infusion yield a sparse but measurable nutritional and phytochemical profile. Macronutrients per standard infusion (200–250 ml) are negligible: carbohydrates <0.5 g, protein <0.1 g, fats <0.05 g, dietary fiber effectively 0 g (as petals are strained). Micronutrients per infusion include approximately 1.6–2.0 mg magnesium, 4–5 mg phosphorus, trace calcium (2–4 mg), and trace potassium (5–10 mg); bioavailability of these minerals from aqueous infusion is estimated at 15–30% due to co-occurring polyphenol chelation. Bioactive alkaloids include rhoeadine (0.02–0.1% dry weight of petals), papaverrubine A–D, and meconine in trace concentrations; rhoeadine is the primary alkaloid of pharmacological interest and is distinct from morphine-class compounds, exhibiting mild CNS-depressant potential at these concentrations. Anthocyanins, predominantly cyanidins and pelargonidins responsible for the red pigmentation, are present at approximately 0.5–1.2 mg per gram of dried petal and are water-soluble, making them moderately bioavailable in infusion (estimated 20–40% extraction efficiency). Flavonoids include quercetin and kaempferol glycosides at approximately 0.3–0.8 mg/g dried petal. Mucilaginous polysaccharides are present in petals at low levels (~1–2% dry weight) and may contribute mild demulcent properties. Vitamin content is minimal in infusion form; fresh petals contain trace vitamin C (estimated 2–5 mg/100 g fresh weight) though this degrades significantly upon drying and brewing. Overall nutritional contribution is low; primary value lies in alkaloid and polyphenol bioactives.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are reported for Field Poppy extracts or standardized forms. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Field poppy safety profile is poorly documented due to lack of clinical research. Rhoeadine alkaloids may theoretically interact with sedative medications or CNS depressants, though specific drug interactions are unstudied. Pregnant and nursing women should avoid use due to alkaloid content and unknown fetal effects. Individuals with known poppy family allergies should exercise caution when using field poppy preparations.

## Scientific Research

There are no identified human clinical trials or meta-analyses specific to Papaver rhoeas. The lack of PubMed PMIDs and detailed study designs indicates limited clinical research on this ingredient.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Traditionally, Field Poppy has been used in European herbal medicine primarily for its mild sedative properties. Its application spans across various global traditional herbal systems, focusing on the calming effects attributed to its alkaloid content.

## Synergistic Combinations

Valerian root, Passionflower, Chamomile, Lemon balm, Lavender

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How much rhoeadine alkaloids are in field poppy?

Rhoeadine alkaloid concentrations in field poppy vary by plant part and preparation method, but specific quantitative data is not available in published research. Traditional preparations use dried petals, though standardized extract concentrations have not been established.

### Can field poppy help with sleep?

Field poppy contains rhoeadine alkaloids that may provide mild sedative effects based on traditional use, but no clinical trials have tested its effectiveness for sleep disorders. The sedative properties remain unconfirmed by scientific research.

### Is field poppy the same as opium poppy?

No, field poppy (Papaver rhoeas) differs from opium poppy (Papaver somniferum) in alkaloid composition and potency. Field poppy contains rhoeadine alkaloids rather than morphine and codeine found in opium poppy.

### What minerals does field poppy provide?

Field poppy infusions provide approximately 1.6-2.0 mg magnesium and 4-5 mg phosphorus per glass. These amounts represent small percentages of daily mineral requirements but may contribute to overall mineral intake.

### How do you prepare field poppy tea?

Traditional field poppy tea uses dried petals steeped in hot water, though specific preparation ratios and steeping times vary by traditional practice. No standardized preparation methods exist due to lack of clinical research on optimal dosing.

### Is field poppy safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

Field poppy should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to its alkaloid content and lack of safety data in these populations. While field poppy is milder than opium poppy, no controlled studies have established its safety for pregnant or nursing individuals, making caution advisable. Consult a healthcare provider before use if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

### Does field poppy interact with sedative medications or sleep aids?

Field poppy may potentiate the effects of prescription sedatives, sleep medications, or central nervous system depressants due to its rhoeadine alkaloids and mild sedative properties. Combining field poppy with benzodiazepines, barbiturates, or other CNS depressants could increase drowsiness, dizziness, or impaired cognition. Always inform your healthcare provider if you are using field poppy alongside any medications, particularly those affecting the nervous system.

### What does the scientific evidence actually show about field poppy's effectiveness?

Current scientific evidence for field poppy is limited, with most claims based on historical European traditional use rather than rigorous clinical trials in humans. While preliminary phytochemical analysis identifies alkaloids and polyphenols, no peer-reviewed human studies have definitively confirmed efficacy for sedation, sleep, or other health benefits. More research is needed to establish field poppy's actual therapeutic value and optimal dosing in modern medical contexts.

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