Never brew poppy seeds
I think this information should be pinned or added to the subs' "manual". Because people really are putting themselves at huge risk with this.
Many beginner users have asked in this sub whether they should brew the poppy seeds inside the pods. Never brew any poppy seeds - either to make use of the seeds inside pods, when brewing pods; or for any other reason. Poppy seeds have 1600mg/100mg of oxalate, and a few grams of oxalate in one sitting can make your kidneys fail (a dangerous emergency). High amouts (200mg+) consumed chronically can cause kidney stones, which cause one of the worst pain sensations known. If you have to drink poppy seed tea, always add calcium (or milk, which has 120mg of calcium per 100ml) since it binds to oxalates making them not absorbable. I recommend 100mg of calcium per 10/20g of pods.
(Besides, the seeds inside pods don't have any opium. Only (some) commercial seeds have, due to the way they're harvested (opium from the pods spills into the seeds)).
Posted May 12, 2026, 8:19 AM UTC