Opium

Papaver somniferum

Origin
Native to western Asia, and introduced to southeast Europe 3,000 years ago. Now grown mostly in India, Iran, China, and Australia.

Background
Dedicated by the ancient Greeks and Romans to the gods of night, dreams, and death. Opium has been used since antiquity as a sedative and analgesic, and has also been used illicitly for many centuries as a recreational drug.

Preparation
Sticky latex (sap) from the unripe, green seed pods is dried, dissolved in alcohol, and succussed.

Common Names
Opium poppy, big smoke.

OPIUM POPPY This plant produces seed pods that, when unripe, contain a white latex. Harvesting opium involves cutting open the seed pods in summer, collecting the latex that they exude, and drying it.

Key Symptoms

stupor; apathy; dulled sensitivity to pain; hyperactivity with difficulty in sleeping

A plant of extremes, this poppy is the source of both morphine, one of the strongest painkillers, and heroin, one of the most addictive substances known. It has played a dramatic role in history, prompting wars and huge social problems. Opium and heroin, derived illicitly, have produced devastating drug problems, while morphine and codeine are produced legally to play a vital role in conventional medicine. The homeopathic remedy was proved in 1805 by Hahnemann.

Remedy Profile

Opium is given to people who exhibit either or both of two opposite states. One is stupor, apathy, and dulled sensitivity to pain. The other is hyperactivity and intense sensitivity, often with insomnia. If symptoms occur with one or both of these states, Opium is given for insomnia, sleeping disorders, respiratory problems, constipation, and shock. It can also be used to help treat recovery from stroke paralysis, brain injuries, delirium tremens, and alcohol withdrawal.

Insomnia & narcolepsy

Symptoms: Insomnia, inability to sleep despite fatigue, or brief bouts of irresistible drowsiness. Sleep is either light, restless, and easily disturbed, with hearing so acute that it seems to detect even the faint sounds of insects' movements, or very heavy, with difficulty in waking. Sleep may be so deep that breathing becomes irregular or even stops momentarily. There may be talking during sleep.

Symptoms better: For a cool environment; for movement.

Symptoms worse: For warmth; for sleep; for shock.

Constipation

Symptoms: Constipation with no urge to pass stools for an extended length of time, which may result in fecal impaction. The digestion is sluggish and weak, and there is no appetite. Stools tend to retreat into the rectum, and are dark, small, and very hard, like black balls. During the day there may be drowsiness. Diarrhea may alternate with constipation, notably after shock. Newborn babies may be given Opium for constipation after the shock of childbirth.

Symptoms better: For activity.

Symptoms worse: For warmth; for sleep; for shock.

Shock & injury

Symptoms: Either emotional and sensory shutdown, or overexcitement and hypersensitivity. Sluggishness and indifference may be evident, with dulled sensitivity to pain. Conversely, the person can be overwrought, possibly with insomnia or even convulsions. Either or both of these states may occur in response to shock, grief, or injury.

Symptoms better: For a cool environment; for movement.

Symptoms worse: For warmth; during and after sleep.

Post-stroke paralysis

Symptoms: Paralysis of the limbs with dullness and stupor resembling that experienced after shock. There may be blackouts, a blue-tinged face, and labored breathing.

Symptoms better: For a cool environment; for movement.

Symptoms worse: For warmth; during and after sleep.

Delirium tremens

Symptoms: Extreme apathy or hypersensitivity, tremors, or even convulsions. There can be frightening visions, and possibly blackouts after alcohol binges.

Symptoms better: For a cool environment; for movement.

Symptoms worse: For warmth; for sleep; for alcohol.

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