Poppy Seeds

Origin: The center of this flowers originates in the Western Mediterranean region of Europe and is cultivated in the Asian country, Russia, Egypt, Yugoslavia, Poland, Germany, Kingdom of The Netherlands, China, Japan, Argentina, Spain, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Portugal for its legal pharmaceutical use. 

The plant of Poppy seeds (Khus Khus) is Papaver somniferum. Papaver somniferum is an herbaceous annual native to Greece and the Orient.
The poppy seed finds mention in ancient medical texts from many civilizations. For instance, the Egyptian papyrus scroll named Ebers Papyrus, written in 1550 BC, lists poppy seed as a sedative.

The Minoan culture (approximately 2700 to 1450 BC), Bronze Age civilization which arose on the island of Crete, cultivated poppies for their seed, and used milk, the opium and honey mixture to calm crying babies. The Sumerians are another civilization that is known to have grown poppy seeds.

In Eastern European Jewish, during Purim, pastries filled with black poppy seeds in a sugary paste are consumed.  As per tradition Ashkenazi Jews at Purim ate Poppy seed hamantashen. 

For a long time, across Europe, bread pastries are sprinkled white poppy seeds. In Poland, Lithuania and Eastern Slovakia, for Christmas Eve a dessert is prepared with poppy seeds. In Central Europe, during Christmas poppy strudel is very popular. Belonging to the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, in Germany, Poland and countries, poppy seed pastries called Mohnkuchen are eaten around Christmas. 

Scientifically: Poppy seeds are blessed with immense benefits. It is packed with the goodness of Dietary Fiber, Folates, Niacin, Pantothenic acid, Pyridoxine, Riboflavin, Thiamin, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Vitamin K, Sodium, Potassium, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Phosphorus, Selenium, and Zinc. 

Poppy is a crucial herb in a piece of writing to treat varied health conditions. Khus Khus has powerful anti-inflammatory quality and is widely used in preparing medicines for treating inflammation of nerves and other body parts. The oil extracted from Khus Khus relaxes and soothes the tired muscles and the mind, and cure insomnia.

Khus Khus has an analgesic quality which is used as an ingredient in pain killers. Zinc present in Khus Khus increases the immunity of the body. Regular consumption of Khus Khus stimulates improved heart functioning. 

This wonderful seed enhances digestion, cures sleeplessness, mouth ulcers and boosts energy. 

Khus khus are rich in iron that is instrumental in increasing the oxygen flow in the blood. It has oxalates that absorb the excess of calcium in the blood and stop crystallization and deposition of calcium in the kidney, preventing kidney stones. Consuming Khus Khus habitually is an effective cure for respiratory conditions like Asthma. Khus Khus has a high level of calcium, iodine, magnesium, and copper that helps in maintaining a healthy nervous system.

Due to the presence of atomic number 20 and metal in Khus Khus, this herb strengthens the bone density and prevents fractures.
Poppy seeds help treat eczema and inflammation as they have a high content of linolenic acid. It also moisturizes the skin well.  It is very useful in achieving blemish-free skin. It also helps in treating dandruff whilst stimulating hair growth. 

Usage: Khus Khus is used in making oil and perfumes. It is also used in various dishes because of its scent and medicinal properties. It has several minerals and widely used for making cosmetics for women. It is also used for making ointments and other medicines.

Here are some DIY with Poppy Seeds (khus khus):

- Grind Poppy seeds into the grinder to get powder. Take two spoons of the khus powder, add two spoons of milk.  Mix this well. Apply it evenly on your face. Leave it for 15 minutes. Wash it off with cold water to get a hydrating skin.
- Soak a tablespoon of poppy seeds in milk or water for a few hours. Grind them into a paste with some lemon juice. Apply this paste on the burnt skin or irritated areas. This helps in soothing the skin.
- Take 2 teaspoons of a ground poppy seed and mix it with a teaspoon of yogurt. Apply this on the face and gently massage your face in circular motions. Rinse once dry. This helps in removing dead skin. 
- Take a tablespoon of soaked poppy seeds, a tablespoon of hung curd and a teaspoon of white pepper. Mix them all together and apply on the hair. Leave it on 30 minutes. This helps in removing dandruff.
- Take a tablespoon of a soaked poppy seed, one tablespoon of coconut milk, and a tablespoon of onion juice. Mix them all together and apply on the scalp and hair length. Leave it on 40 minutes and then shampoo the hair. This hair pack stimulates hair growth.