Poppy capsule (Yingsuqiao)

Pharmaceutical Name : Pericarpium Papaveris

Botanical Name : Papaver somniferum L.

Common Name : Opium poppy capsule, Poppy capsule

Source of Earliest Record : Kaibao Bencao

Part Used & Method for Pharmaceutical Preparations: The capsules are gathered in summer. After the seeds are removed, the capsules are dried in the sun, and then they are fried with honey.

Properties & Taste : Sour, astringent, neutral and toxic

Meridians : Lung, large intestine and kidney

Functions:
1. To astringe the lungs;
2. To astringe the intestines;
3. To stop pain

Indications & Combinations:

1. Chronic cough due to deficiency of the lungs. Poppy capsule (Yingsuqiao) is used with Black plum (Wumei).

2. Chronic diarrhea or chronic dysentery. Poppy capsule (Yingsuqiao) is used with Coptis root (Huanglian), Costus root (Muxiang) and Dried ginger (Ganjiang).

3. Pain. Poppy capsule (Yingsuqiao) is used alone for the treatment of pain.

Dosage: 3-10 g (Fried with honey, the herb is used for cough; prepared with vinegar, for diarrhea with pain.)

Cautions & Contraindications: This herb is contraindicated in the early stage of cough and dysentery. Care should be taken to avoid overdosing.