This product is the outer shell of the mature capsule of the foxtail millet plant from the Poaceae family. It was first recorded in the Kaibao Bencao of the Song Dynasty, originally named "yingzi foxtail millet," referring only to the seed. The Bencao Gangmu begins under the entry for "yingzi foxtail millet," listing the rice (seed), shell, and tender shoots separately.

bubble_chart Properties and Meridians

Sour and astrigent, slightly cold.

bubble_chart Efficacy

Astringing lung and relieving cough, astringing intestines and checking diarrhea, relieving pain.

bubble_chart Indications

Used for chronic cough disease that does not cease, chronic diarrhea, prolonged dysentery, prolapse of the rectum, pain in the limbs, chest, and abdomen, as well as seminal emission and spermatorrhea, among other conditions.

bubble_chart Usage and Dosage

3-10g. This product is toxic and should not be taken in excess or for prolonged periods.

bubble_chart Modern Pharmacology

The effects of Poppy Capsule are the sum of the effects of its contained alkaloids. At a general dose, it can suppress cough and the excitability of the respiratory center, thereby relieving cough and treating dyspnea caused by cardiac asthma. It can inhibit the central nervous system's sensitivity to pain. It has the effect of relaxing gastrointestinal smooth muscles, reducing intestinal peristalsis to stop diarrhea. However, in large doses, it can cause central vomiting, miosis, and other toxic phenomena. The pharmacological effects of this product, such as analgesia, antitussive effects, and effects on the digestive tract and other smooth muscle organs, are similar to those of morphine.