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Herbal Medicine of the American Southwest New Title - Soon to be Released Medicinal Plant Profiles Photographic Index |
Prickly Poppy
Argemone spp. Cowboys’ fried egg, Chicaolte, Cardo santo Description Prickly poppy stands about 2 feet tall with clasping bluish-green leaves rising up along the stem at alternately spaced intervals. The 2-3 inch diameter flowers develop from spring through summer. The large, white, paper-thin petals surround a core of orange stamens, which seem to be always alive with insects of all types. The oblong, spiky seedpods start to appear in mid-summer. After beginning to dry, these capsules open and release miniscule dark black-brown seeds. When young Prickly poppy has some superficial likenesses to Wild lettuce, the similarities end when a leaf or stem is broken. A yellow-orange sap weeps from the wound, very unlike the milky sap that exudes from Wild lettuce.
Distribution Prickly poppy is found throughout the west. It frequents disturbed soils such as roadsides, dry riverbeds, and overgrazed land.
Chemistry Major alkaloids: dihydosanguinarine, sanguinarine, berberine, protopine, cheletrythine, and coptisine
Medicinal Uses As a sedative, Prickly poppy works best when there is pain from acute injury making sleep difficult. Its quieting effect on afferent pain signals gives some relief particularly if the acuity of the situation is dependent upon muscular rigidity. Prickly poppy is also useful in sedating smooth muscle constriction of bronchial and intestinal tissues. The herb fits when there is a hectic, spasmodic cough with bronchial heat and hyperactivity. Likewise, the herb has value if there is intestinal cramping with associated bouts of diarrhea.
Externally the oil or salve made from the seeds makes an excellent burn dressing. It is soothing and pain relieving to inflamed and abraded tissues. An externally applied tea is antimicrobial, assisting cuts and broken skin in staying free of pathogens. An isotonic tea of the herb, strained well of very small leaf and stem hairs, makes a soothing eyewash; it reduces conjunctiva inflammation. Styes also diminish with its use. The plant can be likened to a combination of Bloodroot, Desert barberry, and California poppy.
Indications Muscular pain Insomnia, restlessness Spasmodic cough Intestinal cramps Bacterial infections (external) Burns, abrasions (external) Conjunctivitis (eyewash)
Collection Collect Prickly poppy throughout the spring and summer. With pruners snip the upper half of the plant, including leaf, flower, and seedpods. Wear gloves while collecting the plant. The fine hairs of the plant are sharp and stiff.
Preparations After drying the uncut herb, garble everything from the stems. Chop the stems into ¼-½ inch pieces. Use both parts for medicine.
Dosage Herb infusion: 2-4 ounces 2-3 times daily DPT (50% alcohol): 20-40 drops 2-3 times daily Eyewash: 3-4 times daily
Cautions Even in moderate quantities, problems can potentially develop when the seeds or particularly the refined seed oil is ingested regularly. In northern India Mustard seed oil, adulterated with Prickly poppy seed oil (Argemone mexicana) has been the cause of numerous deaths. Individuals succumb as a result of massive interstitial fluid disorganization, vascular deterioration, and subsequent edema. It is important to note that ingesting a refined seed oil, which by its nature is a highly potentiated substance, is very different from ingesting crude seed-herb preparations used here.
Although seed preparations of Prickly poppy have been used as a mildly stimulating laxative, it is best to err on the side of caution and not use these preparations internally, or at least not by themselves. If seed preparations are used, keep their use short term, 2-3 days at a time. The internally used whole herb is less toxic. Short-term use of 2-3 weeks at any one time is relatively safe. Individuals taking this plant should be strong, healthy, and currently not on any major pharmaceutical regimens. Do not use while pregnant or lactating. |