This opiate was introduced to the market in 1898 as heroin. Another active ingredient in opium is codeine. Opium poppy sap usually contains less than 2 percent codeine. Codeine is used as a painkiller, cough suppressant, and for treating diarrhea.
The History of Opiate and Opioid Use
Archaeological records indicate that the earliest use of opium poppies as medicine started more than 5,000 years ago. The first recorded use of opium was in Mesopotamia (an area in modern-dayIraq). The ancient Egyptians grew opium poppies and used parts of the plant as medicines. Through trade, opium made its way into ancient Greece and Rome. Opium and poppies are often mentioned in the myths and epic tales from that time. Opium was usually taken by eating parts of the plant, taking the dried juices in elixirs (liquid mixtures), or smoking.
During the seventh century, opium spread throughout the Middle East and western Asia. Opium was used as a trade good. The use of opium potions that were either eaten or drunk for the treatment of minor ailments was widespread. By the eleventh century, doctors had noted that the more opium people took, the more opium they needed to have the same effect.
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