Papaver somniferum

The annual herb grows to a height of between 0.30 and 1.50 m

Near East

June to August

The main active ingredient is the alkaloid morphine. In addition to it, opium also contains other alkaloids such as codeine, narcotine and heroin. While codeine is used as a cough suppressant, heroin is a powerful drug.

In order to obtain the coveted opium, the immature seed capsule is scratched. The milky juice that comes out is left to dry and a rubbery mass is obtained.