Hippocrates

The Greek physician Hippocrates (c460 - c377 BC) discounts belief in the literally magical attributes of opium, an indication perhaps of the high reputation of the opium poppy in classical antiquity. Like his successor Galen of Pergamum, Hippocrates readily acknowledges the benefits of opium poppy juice as a narcotic and styptic in treating internal diseases, diseases of women and epidemics. Hippocrates also notes the excellent nutritive properties of the poppy seed. Opium poppy seeds are very popular with birds, though their effects on avian consciousness are unknown.


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Snapshots: Opium in History