Benefits and Uses of Khus Khus or Poppy Seed

Khus Khus or Poppy seed

It is known by various names across different states of India, Khus Khus or Poppy seeds are a well-known ingredient that finds a place in numerous Indian cuisines. While they have a peculiar nutty taste, they are highly recommended when you need to add a nice aroma to any cuisine.

Different variants of Poppy seeds are readily available. From these, the popular types are:

·         White Poppy seeds – Also known as Indian/Asian Poppy seeds

·         Oriental Poppy seeds – Also known as Opium Poppy

·         Blue Poppy seeds – Also known as European Poppy seeds

Here are some popular benefits of Poppy seeds:

Fertility

Poppy seeds play a pivotal role in boosting female fertility. They are known to remove mucus from the Fallopian tubes and aid in achieving pregnancy. They also enhance sexual desire and improve sexual health by boosting the libido.

Insomnia

Opium Poppy is effective in inducing sleep. Known to create a calming effect, the seeds help in bringing down the stress levels.  They can be consumed in the form of a tea or made into a paste and mixed with warm milk to enjoy a blessed slumber.

Bone Strength

Being rich in copper and calcium, Poppy seeds help in improving bone health. The manganese in the seeds helps in the production of the protein collagen that protects the bones from severe damage.

Digestion

Poppy seeds are a rich source of insoluble fiber and help in strengthening the digestive system and treating constipation effectively.

Mouth Ulcers

Since they have a cooling effect on the body, poppy seeds are known to be a great treatment for mouth ulcers. However, only limited research is known to back this ideology.

Blood Pressure

Oleic acid, an essential component in Poppy seeds, is known to reduce blood pressure levels.

Eyes

The zinc and antioxidant content in Poppy seeds helps to improve vision and protects against eye diseases such as Macular Degeneration.

Kidney Stones

The potassium content in Poppy seeds helps in treating kidney stones and also prevents their re-occurrence.

Thyroid

Zinc is a pivotal element for thyroid glands, and thanks to their rich zinc content, Poppy seeds play a crucial role in proper thyroid functioning.

Diabetes

Poppy seeds occupy an integral place in a diabetic’s diet. The manganese in the seeds helps in the treatment of diabetes.

Natural Analgesic

Since generations, Poppy seeds have been a tried and tested option to relieve pain. Many ancient medical practitioners have used the analgesic properties of Poppy seeds to comfort their patients from pain and discomfort. Some reports also suggest the consumption of Poppy tea, made by mixing the seeds in hot water, to reduce pain. The pain-relieving property is significantly high in the Opium variant of the Poppy seeds.

Dandruff

Prepare a paste of soaked Poppy seeds, white pepper, and hung curd and apply to your hair. Leave for half an hour and wash off. Use regularly to prevent the occurrence of dandruff. Read more on the home remedies for dandruff.

Boost Energy

This property of the seeds can be attributed to their high content of complex carbohydrates – the macronutrients your body needs for energy. The seeds also help absorb calcium, the disruption of which can lead to fatigue.

Brain Health

The brain requires essential nutrients like calcium, iron, and copper – minerals that poppy seeds are rich in. These minerals aid in the regulation of neurotransmitters and enhance brain function. Poppy seeds might also cut the risk of cognitive disorder.

Boost Immune System

The zinc in poppy seeds can contribute to a strengthened immune system. The seeds also enhance the production of immune cells in the body and the iron in the seeds also helps in this aspect. The zinc in the seeds also helps ward off lower respiratory ailments.

Heart Health

Poppy seeds are loaded with dietary fiber, which helps lower cholesterol levels and ultimately improves heart health. As per a study, the cholesterol content in a food item decreased with a higher amount of poppy seed oil. This simply proves that adding the oil to your diet can make it more heart-healthy.

Eczema and Inflammation

Poppy seeds are effective in treating eczema due to their high content of linolenic acid. Poppy seeds, after being soaked in water or milk, can be ground along with lime juice to form a smooth paste. Applying this paste externally helps in treating burns and skin itchiness. It also acts as an effective painkiller by relieving the pain caused by skin inflammation.

Moisturize Skin

A paste made from poppy seeds acts as a good moisturizer, providing you with smooth and soft skin. All you need to do is put some poppy seeds in a food processor and add some milk to it. If you have dry skin, you can also add some honey. Grind into a smooth paste and apply it all over your face. Relax for 10 minutes and then wash off. Doing this once in a week will provide the required moisture to your skin.