Snip
As previously mentioned, opium is derived from the unripe seedpod of the flower
Papaver
somniferum.
Sumerian ideograms, dated to 4,000 B.C., show the poppy as a plant of joy – likely
the first record of human opium consumption (Scott, 1969). In Egypt, around 1,500 B.C., the
Therapeutic Papyrus of Thebes was written. Within this early medical document, opium was
listed as a cure for colic in infants. In J.M. Scott’s history of opium, he describes this effect as an
example of the chief attraction of opium as a medicine. It is guaranteed to show results. Even if it
does not cure the disease it removes the pain, which is all the unscientific patient worries about.
It soothes both body and mind (Scott, 1969).
It is likely for this reason that it was used ‘medicinally’ by the Assyrians, who knew little
of disease (Scott, 1969). Opium is cures practically all symptoms, and therefore has been
heralded throughout its history as a cure for virtually any illness.
http://www.ucalgary.ca/uofc/Others/H...01.pdf#page=33