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These plants, funghi and insect illustrations
are part of my botanical oracle deck

Glaucium flavum | Yellow Horned Poppy

Botanical Overview:

  • Family: Papaveraceae

  • Common Names: Yellow Horned Poppy, Yellow Hornpoppy, Sea Poppy

  • Plant Type: Perennial herb

  • Native Range: Coastal regions of Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia Minor

  • Key Identifiers:

    • Large, bright yellow flowers with four petals

    • Soft, glaucous (bluish-green) leaves that are deeply lobed

    • Produces long, slender seed pods that resemble horns, giving the plant its common name

    • Typically grows to 30–60 cm tall

Properties:

  • Active Compounds: Alkaloids, including glaucine and protopine, which have mild sedative, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory properties

  • Pharmacological Actions: Antispasmodic, sedative, mild analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antitussive (cough suppressant)

Distribution and Habitat:

  • Grows in coastal habitats, particularly on sandy soils near the sea, in regions with mild, temperate climates

  • Commonly found along the Mediterranean coast, parts of the British Isles, and along coastal areas of North Africa and Western Europe

  • Prefers disturbed soils, often found on cliffs, dunes, and coastal roadsides

Medicinal Uses:

  • Respiratory Health: Traditionally used as a remedy for coughs, asthma, and bronchial irritation, acting as an expectorant and antitussive

  • Pain Relief: Known to have mild analgesic properties, sometimes used to relieve pain, especially in the context of muscle spasms or inflammation

  • Sedative: Employed for its calming effects, often used to help alleviate anxiety, insomnia, and stress

  • Anti-inflammatory: Can be used topically for mild inflammatory conditions or taken internally for joint pain and other inflammatory issues


Psychoactive Properties and Effects:

  • Psychoactive Nature:

    • Glaucium flavum contains glaucine, an alkaloid known to have mild sedative and calming effects on the central nervous system

    • Its effects are relatively mild compared to stronger psychoactive substances but may include slight relaxation, mild euphoria, and a sense of tranquility

    • In larger doses, the plant may cause drowsiness or a light sedative effect, although it is not typically used recreationally for its psychoactive properties

  • Not Psychedelic: While it may have mild psychoactive effects, it does not produce intense perceptual changes or hallucinations typical of psychedelics


Magical Correspondences and Uses:

  • Element: Water

  • Planetary Association: Moon

  • Magical Uses:

    • Used in rituals or spells for calming emotions, bringing peace, and soothing troubled minds

    • Associated with lunar energy, used for enhancing intuition, dreamwork, and psychic ability

    • Can be used in protection spells or rituals, especially for emotional protection or to ward off negative influences

    • Sometimes employed in rituals to honor the sea or water spirits, reflecting its coastal habitat and connection to the ebb and flow of tides

    • Used in spiritual healing and meditation to facilitate inner peace and emotional balance


Folklore and Mythology:

  • Symbol of Peace: Known for its calming and tranquil effects, Yellow Horned Poppy is sometimes associated with peace and serenity, symbolizing emotional healing and mental tranquility

  • Ancient Associations: In some cultures, it was used in rituals to honor the sea, possibly due to its coastal habitat, and to invoke protection from the dangers associated with water and the unknown

  • Medicinal Folklore: Historically, its use as a remedy for respiratory issues and coughs was well-known, and it was sometimes included in herbal mixtures for healing during times of illness

  • Symbolism of the Horn: The long, horn-shaped seed pods led to its association with spiritual protection and guidance, as the shape of the pods was thought to offer "protection" or a "call" to help in times of need

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