Poppy seed tea is made from the seeds of the Papaver somniferum plant, also known as the opium poppy. While safe in the amounts used for cooking, poppy seeds can cause harmful health effects when consumed in the large doses needed for tea. Understanding the effects of poppy seed tea can help you avoid serious health complications like overdose and addiction. To prevent adverse effects, don't use poppy seed tea without medical supervision.
Features
Papaver somniferum is a colorful flower grown for its ornamental appeal. Because it produces opium, it can also be used for illicit purposes such as making heroin. While poppy seeds don't actually contain any psychoactive compounds, traces of opium may remain on the outer shell of some unwashed seeds. Tea made using large amounts of these seeds can cause intoxication similar to that of other opiates.
Effects on Blood Pressure
Like other depressants, opiates generally have a slowing effect on bodily functions like heart rate and breathing. According to the Center for Substance Abuse Research, low blood pressure is a possible side effect of opiates like oxycodone. When combined with some blood pressure medications, poppy seed tea could potentially cause dangerously low blood pressure or other health problems. While not usually fatal, opiate withdrawals can cause a temporary rise in blood pressure that may be dangerous for people with a history of heart disease or hypertension. The blood pressure lowering drug clonidine is sometimes prescribed for opiate addicts during withdrawals, according to Harvard Health Publications.
Overdose and Dependence
Poppy seed tea can cause overdose when drunk in large amounts or combined with other depressants. According to the University of Cincinnati, a 20-year-old Colorado man died after drinking tea made from poppy seeds and pods. Since it's impossible to measure the amount of opium present on poppy seeds, overdose can easily occur. Like other drugs in the opiate class, poppy seed tea can cause physical and psychological dependence when consumed repeatedly.
Application
High blood pressure can have serious consequences when treated improperly. To avoid complications, never use poppy seed tea without your doctor's permission. Avoid combining poppy seed tea with blood pressure medication, as this could result in extremely low blood pressure. Don't stop taking your prescribed medications unless your doctor instructs you to do so. If you develop side effects like trouble breathing or extreme drowsiness after consuming poppy seed tea, seek medical assistance immediately. These could be signs of an overdose.
