Khus Khus (Poppy Seeds): Benefits, Uses, Side Effects & More

What is Khus Khus or Poppy Seeds?

Khus Khus are tiny oilseeds obtained from a flower called Poppy. Poppy Seeds, or Khus Khus, are available in different varieties across the globe.

In India, the most common variety of Khus Khus are white seeds which are popularly called the Indian poppy seeds. These seeds are packed with so many nutrients that are ideal for providing great health benefits to the body.

Nutritional Value of Poppy Seeds (Khus Khus)

Khus Khus is used in the preparation of many food items as well as many Ayurvedic medicines as well. This is all because of the nutritional value of Poppy Seeds.

The widely known nutrients present in Khus Khus are: Omega-6 Fatty Acid which plays a role in the body’s metabolism and growth, Protein, vitamins and minerals, and dietary fibres, which make it an ideal ingredient for adding on to many dishes in the Indian cuisine.

Poppy Seeds also contain Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium and Vitamin B-6.

The nutritional value of every 100 grams of Poppy Seeds is:

• 525 Calories
• 42 g Fat
• 26 mg Sodium
• 719 mg Potassium
• 18 g Protein
• 28 g Total Carbohydrate

Khus Khus Benefits

1) Khus Khus Milk Benefits

Khus Khus milk benefits the body by reducing the levels of stress hormones like cortisol, which has a positive effect on inducing peaceful sleep. Therefore, a glass of Khus Khus milk can help in treating insomnia. Soaking Khus Khus in milk for about 2 hours helps soften the seeds' outer layer so that they can be consumed easily.

2) Khus Khus for Weight Loss

Zinc present in Khus Khus is known for maintaining the proper functioning of the thyroid glands. Whereas, Manganese is useful for diabetes management. So, Khus Khus for weight loss is a good option, especially for people with weight management issues.

3) Enhances Female Fertility

Khus Khus boosts female fertility by removing mucus from the fallopian tubes and also by enhancing the sexual drive by boosting libido.

4) Good For Bone Health

Poppy Seeds are rich in calcium and copper, both of which are advised nutrients to take when you want to strengthen your bones. The manganese content of Khus Khus aids in the formation of the protein collagen, which prevents any severe bone damage.

5) Improves Digestion

Poppy Seeds are rich in dietary fibers, which help in maintaining the digestive system in a good state.

What is the Difference Between Khus and Khus Khus?

Although they sound similar, Khus and Khus Khus are different in many aspects.

While Khus is grassy and long in appearance, Khus Khus are tiny seeds. Khus is obtained from the Vetiver plant and is known for its earthy aroma, whereas Khus Khus is obtained from the Poppy flower.

As compared to the rich nutritional content of Khus Khus, Khus is rich in only Vitamins A, B and C, among some other minerals.

Khus Roots Benefits

Khus Roots have numerous health benefits. Some of the most commonly known uses of Khus Roots are:

• Healing properties help in healing hormonal disorders like PCOD and cases of low sperm mobility.
• Act as the perfect coolant for summers.
• Pain-reliever that provides relief from chronic pains.
• Prevents health disorders like Urinary Tract Infections and fever.
• Good for the skin and helps in achieving smooth, flawless skin.

Uses of Khus Khus

There are some very common Khus Khus uses that are good for the skin and hair. These are:

1. Anti-inflammatory properties of Khus Khus can be used to provide relief from skin conditions like Eczema. An easy way on how to use Khus Khus here is to grind the seeds into a powder and then add lime juice to it for making a paste. Now apply the paste to the patches on the skin where you are feeling irritation.
2. Use Khus Khus for getting rid of dandruff. To make this paste, you have to mix Khus Khus with white pepper and hung curd and then apply it on your scalp. Leave it on for about an hour, and then rinse off thoroughly with preferably lukewarm water. The seeds will infuse oil into the scalp, which upon regular use, will eradicate dandruff.
   
3. To turn your skin honey-like smooth and shiny, mix poppy seeds powder with honey and apply it on your face and neck. Leave this Khus Khus recipe on for about 15 minutes, and then rinse off with water.

Khus Khus Side Effects

Despite Khus Khus being rich in many nutrients, one should be careful with its consumption. Some cases of pulmonary oedema have been reported due to the overconsumption of Poppy Seeds. In some rare instances, death was also reported due to the consumption of tea containing Khus Khus.

Other side effects can also be caused due to Khus Khus not being washed thoroughly. Poppy seeds can also adversely affect the development of an unborn child, and so pregnant women should not consume poppy seeds. To be safe, you should consult a healthcare professional before adding Khus Khus to your diet.