Abstract
Opium derived from the condensed juice of the poppy, Papaver Somniferum, has been used as an analgesic, euphoric, and soporific for centuries. The use of opium use goes back 6000 years to China. It was initially cultivated in 3400 B.C. in Mesopotamia, and has been used therapeutically and recreationally ever since. In fact, opium was available during the time of Hippocrates, the father of medicine (circa 470-370 B.C.). In 1660 A.D., the English physician, Thomas Sydenham, compounded an opium tincture, which he called Laudanum. This was considered the medicinal “cure all” for most ailments. Numerous scientists have experimented since then by mixing opium with other agents including whiskey, rum, brandy, ether, and chloroform. Laudanum is now virtually extinct in the U.S., though still can be obtained in a number of European countries.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Addiction Medicine and Therapeutic Science
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
