Natural Herb Library

Opium Poppy Husk

Chinese
罂粟壳
Pinyin
Ying Su Ke
Latin
Pericarpium Papaveris
Botanical illustration of Poppy Capsule, Papaver somniferum, showing dried Ying Su Ke capsule shells and diagnostic source details.
Botanical plate by Kodi .

Known in TCM as Ying Su Ke (罂粟壳), this sour and astringent, neutral herb enters the Lung, Large Intestine, and Kidney. Traditionally, it astringes the Lung and stops chronic cough, particularly lingering deficiency-type coughs that have failed to resolve with ordinary Lung-regulating herbs, most often applied for cough, diarrhea, and dysentery. Modern research has identified Morphine among its active constituents.

Part used: Peel

Also Known As

Poppy capsule husk Papaveris pericarpium

Latin: Pericarpium Papaveris | Pinyin: Ying Su Ke | Chinese: 罂粟壳

TCM Properties

Taste
sour, astringent
Temperature
neutral
Channels
Lung, Large Intestine, Kidney

Traditional Use

Primary Actions

  • Astringes the Lung and stops chronic cough, particularly lingering deficiency-type coughs that have failed to resolve with ordinary Lung-regulating herbs.
  • Astringes the intestines and stops chronic diarrhea or dysentery in long-standing, leaking bowel patterns.
  • Alleviates chronic pain linked to spasm, chronic coughing, or dysenteric straining, reflecting the opium-alkaloid content in the dried husk.

Secondary Actions

  • This is the more standard trade-material lane of the poppy-capsule drug, distinct from the more source-capsule-forward sibling `poppy-capsule` record.
  • Although classical TCM uses it as an astringent, modern handling is inseparable from narcotic-control and addiction concerns.

Classic Formulas

  • Zhen Ren Yang Zang Tang for chronic diarrhea and dysentery with deficiency and leakage.
  • Jiu Xian San for chronic cough with deficient Lung containment.

Classical References

  • Traditional sources describe Ying Su Ke as sour, astringent, and neutral, entering the Lung and intestines to bind chronic leakage.
  • Because it strongly stabilizes and astringes, it is classically contraindicated in the early stage of acute disorders.

Modern Research

Active Compounds

  • Morphine
  • Codeine
  • Papaverine
  • Other trace opium alkaloids in dried poppy husk

Studied Effects

  • Pharmacokinetic work confirmed systemic exposure to morphine and codeine after administration of traditional Chinese medicine containing Papaveris Pericarpium (PMID 29148050).
  • Research on codeine pharmacokinetics and transplacental transfer from Papaver somniferum supports the herb's strong pregnancy restriction (PMID 36007718).
  • Analytical work measuring the alkaloids in Pericarpium papaveris reinforces why quality control and legal restriction are central to this herb's modern profile (PMID 15739501).

PubMed References

Safety & Interactions

Contraindications

  • Pregnancy
  • Children except under tightly supervised specialist use
  • Acute exterior or acute infectious patterns that still require venting
  • History of opioid dependence or substance misuse

Cautions

  • Ying Su Ke is a restricted controlled medicinal because the dried husk still contains opium alkaloids.
  • Improper self-use can create dependence, constipation, sedation, or inappropriate pathogen retention.

Drug Interactions

  • Opioids or sedative medications ... additive sedation and respiratory risk
  • Antidiarrheals or antitussives ... additive slowing and over-suppression effects

Conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Opium Poppy Husk used for?

Opium Poppy Husk is traditionally used to Astringes the Lung and stops chronic cough, particularly lingering deficiency-type coughs that have failed to resolve with ordinary Lung-regulating herbs., Astringes the intestines and stops chronic diarrhea or dysentery in long-standing, leaking bowel patterns., Alleviates chronic pain linked to spasm, chronic coughing, or dysenteric straining, reflecting the opium-alkaloid content in the dried husk.. Research has investigated its effects on: Pharmacokinetic work confirmed systemic exposure to morphine and codeine after administration of traditional Chinese medicine containing Papaveris Pericarpium (PMID 29148050).; Research on codeine pharmacokinetics and transplacental transfer from Papaver somniferum supports the herb's strong pregnancy restriction (PMID 36007718)..

What are other names for Opium Poppy Husk?

Opium Poppy Husk is also known as Poppy capsule husk, Papaveris pericarpium. In TCM: 罂粟壳 (Ying Su Ke); Pericarpium Papaveris.

Is Opium Poppy Husk safe during pregnancy?

Opium Poppy Husk is not recommended during pregnancy.

What are the contraindications for Opium Poppy Husk?

Opium Poppy Husk should not be used in: Pregnancy; Children except under tightly supervised specialist use; Acute exterior or acute infectious patterns that still require venting; History of opioid dependence or substance misuse. Consult a qualified practitioner before use.

Does Opium Poppy Husk interact with any medications?

Opium Poppy Husk may interact with: Opioids or sedative medications ... additive sedation and respiratory risk; Antidiarrheals or antitussives ... additive slowing and over-suppression effects. Always inform your healthcare provider of any herbal supplements you are taking.