Poppies as a sleep aid for infants: The “Hypnos” remedy of Cretan folk medicine

Abstract

Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum L.) is considered as one of the earliest medicinal plants known to mankind. Derived from the Greek name “opos” meaning juice, referring to its psychotropic latex, the plant was known and extensively used since Antiquity during religious rituals and for Medical purposes, mainly as hypnotic and pain reliever agent. In Cretan folk medicine it was recommended along with other poppies until the early 20th century to induce children sedation, by the name: “Hypnos” meaning sleep.

Keywords

• Papaver somniferum L.
• Opium
• Folk medicine
• Children
• Sleep
• Greece