The Voynich Botanical Plants

Folio 38r. Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum). The use of opium predates the ancient Greeks. Opium is obtained when the green seed pod of the poppy is cut and the latex harvested and later dried. Morphine and its derivative heroin are the main alkaloids obtained. Apart from its effective way of relieving severe pain, opium was used for treating asthma, stomach illnesses and bad eye sight. Poppy seeds are used in baking. (1) (B)