How do you make laudanum?

Answer 1

Laudanum has historically been used as an analgesic (pain-killer), soporific (sleep aid), and antitussive (cough suppressant). The ability of the average person to treat illnesses at home continues to decrease, while the cost of professional medical care rises beyond our reach

Many species of poppies exist, but Papaver somniferum contains the highest amount of active alkaloids. Try seed catalogs (often listed as Papaver spp. for legal ass-coverage) or the internet. Some say that the bulk poppyseed available in health food stores will work, if one gets desperate.

A cold snap increases Papaver spp. germination rates, so once you've obtained seed find a way to get them cold. Some sow the seeds on top of the last winter snow, but one can also store seeds in the fridge for a few days to give them the necessary cold cycle. Once chilled, direct sow by casting seed thinly across a lightly raked garden bed. Mixing seed with sand can help get even coverage. Water gently, making sure the seed doesn't wash off the bed. Germination takes up to 14 days, so continue to water regularly. Ideally the bed will stay damp until the seedlings begin to establish roots. Once your seedlings emerge, water deeply but less often to encourage healthy roots.

Papaver seedlings have lance-shaped serrated leaves and grow quickly in good conditions. If aphids appear, spray the leaves with soapy water-strung-out aphids have been known to steal bicycles. After a few months, the plants develop flower heads, which will open sequentially into showy, easily-recognizable blossoms. The petals will drop within days, leaving seed pods which continue to grow for weeks. Let the first pod ripen fully, noting the size it achieves before it begins to turn yellow. This pod will provide seed for next year's crop and can be harvested once the pod rattles when tapped. Harvest the other pods when they reach maximum size but before they begin to yellow.

Ingredients:

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Dark glass container with airtight seal

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Alcohol, at least 80-proof

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4 parts chopped poppy pods

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1 part whole cloves

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1 part cinnamon

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1 part saffron

(These last three were often used in traditional recipes, along with other ingredients from "nutmeg" to "ground unicorn horn." One can make a great tincture with only poppies and alcohol, but using these adds romanticism and flavor.)

If using freshly harvested pods, carefully slice into the pod and remove the seeds, retaining as much of the latex, or sap, as possible. Chop the pods into small pieces. If using dried pods, grind in a clean coffee grinder (don't forget to clean it afterward). Combine poppies with any other plant ingredients in the glass container. Fill with alcohol and seal tightly. Leave the jar in a dark, cool place for 2-4 weeks, shaking it every few days. After it's soaked, strain the resulting tincture through a clean cloth into the clearly labeled tincture bottle

The Dangers

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While it's homemade from plants, laudanum contains many powerful alkaloids, including morphine and codeine. This highly addictive tincture is also dangerous! Carefully label the containers with "POISON" and keep out of the reach in the uninformed, pets, and children.

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Test the strength by taking a gradually increased dose and noting its effects. Start off with a few drops, then wait 1 hour before taking a few more. While it may be a romantic way to go, resist the urge to take shots. It's entirely possible to cause permanent loss of brain cells or death from overdose