Papaver somniferum var. Glabrum
White-Seeded Poppy
This classic Moon poppy has been grown for thousands of years, and was the standard poppy grown in European witches' gardens. Its capsules are smooth ("glabrous" = glabrum), of good size, and do not have any openings, so drilling or breaking the pod is necessary to get the seeds out. The flowers are white with purple or dark red splotches, although violet-flowered plants are a variant that will appear as a minority; there is great genetic diversity with this plant. The seeds of this type are white to orange-brown. They are usually smaller and finer than the black-seeded variety, and instead of being used as a sprinkle on breads, are favored in India as a flavoring and thickener for soups and sauces. All somniferums are good for Moon work, especially dreams, but this variety is especially powerful for Moon because of its white color and its antiquity. In Ayurveda, seeds of this plant are an ingredient in a bedtime chutney, which could be quite handy for dreamwork. Info on poppies, including how to grow them.  Top

Bedtime Chutney

This chutney is traditionally eaten at night, less than one hour before bedtime. In Ayurveda, it is considered balancing to Pitta and Vata. It pacifies Vata, especially Prana Vata (the mind), and it pacifies Sadhaka Pitta, Pitta of the heart and mind. These affect good quality sleep. This is a good chutney for dreamwork.

1 teaspoon white poppy seeds
1 teaspoon coconut powder (fresh grated is best)
Pinches of ground cumin and turmeric
Small amount of ghee (clarified butter)

Mix white poppy seeds with coconut powder. Add small amounts of water while mixing to form a thick paste. Melt ghee in a frying pan until it becomes clear (cloudiness is gone). This clarity shows that the ghee is at the best temperature to cook the other ingredients. Add turmeric and cumin and mix well.  Remove from heat immediately and let the spices simmer off the burner until color and aroma change, then add the spiced ghee to the poppy seed mixture. Stir well and let stand 5 minutes. Add a little salt to taste. Put on a little rice or some crackers. Top

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