Papaver somniferum
(Papaveraceae)
Opium poppy.

Latex from the plant is the source of morphine which has a strong depressant action on parts of the brain. Crude opium is a brownish liquid containing as many as twenty-five alkaloids. Because of the narcotic and sedative properties of opium and its derivatives, physicians have been prescribing them to relieve pain, induce sleep, and relax spasms.

CHAUMETON, F.; POIRET, J. L. M.; CHAMBERET DE TYRBAS, J. B. J. A. C. FLORE MÉDICALE.
Paris: C. L. F. Panckoucke, 1831-33.
(Washington University, Becker Library)