Exploiting the Allure of the Blue Poppy

The Himalayan Blue Poppy has no scientifically accredited medicinal value. Secondly, it has no fragrance. Yet its rarity, its allure and, above all, its origin in the mysterious, exotic, hidden land of Tibet, to the credulous gives it a magical aura of contributing to well-being. At least that is the thread picked-up by a number of crackpots and charlatans, as well as reputable companies, infusing the flower with qualities it doesn't possess.

For example, the perfumer Lancôme: "Lancôme's tribute to love and the written word is Poême, a lyrical fragrance styled for romance. Eschewing the traditional approach to fragrance architecture, perfumer Jacques Cavallier developed Poême by pairing Himalayan blue poppy with herbal datura candida. A bouquet of rich florals is interwoven, giving the fragrance and usual chameleon-like character." As I mentioned the Blue Poppy has no discernible fragrance, which may explain why Jacques "eschewed the traditional architecture", if we assume that the traditional approach involves using sweet-smelling things as construction materials.

Yves Saint Laurent is not to be left behind. They created a line of cleansing care cosmetic products based on "health-giving Himalayan Blue Poppy Water". The company describes one of these products, "Instant Pur Hydrating Beauty" as follows: "rich in essential trace elements and vitamins, this cleansing Himalayan Blue Poppy Water leaves the skin relaxed, purified and delightfully replenished."

Well, as mentioned, there's no evidence that the Himalayan Blue Poppy has health-giving or medicinal value. Nor, to be fair, is there evidence that it's harmful. Exploitation of the allure of the Blue Poppy extends to the spa business. Cruising the internet, I came across a "healing spa" in Alaska, where the poppy grows well along the Pacific coast. There, for $120, you may experience a "Himalayan Blue Poppy" treatment, wherein "a body polish and a body masque combine for the maximum in exfoliation, moisturization and generally feeling good. (2 hours)".

Provisioners of alternate remedies combine the mystery of the Blue Poppy with impenetrable language. Bailey Flower Essences, for instance, attributes wonders to the Himalayan Blue Poppy: "The essence of spiritual lineage. To fulfill our potential in this lifetime, we need to builId on strengths gained in the past. Furthers insights and psychic skills." Cosmic Teapot Products claims that "Chakra Key 6, Ajna, contains five flower essences including Speedwell and Himalayan Blue Poppy, chosen to open the third eye and bring insight…"

The third eye? Should you need further elaboration, the Holistic Directory is on the case:

"Himalayan Blue Poppy: This essence is to help us recognize and develop the gifts we were born with. We arrive in this life with characteristics which have developed over many life-times, or, if you prefer, with genetic characteristics which are our spiritual inheritance. Some of us may be continuing development in a particular form of spiritual training which we have been working on over previous lives. We need to awaken to the strengths and experiences we have already acquired if we are to build on our previous work and fulfill our potential in this lifetime.

"Himalayan Blue Poppy concerns our spiritual quest and enables us to open to vistas beyond out multi-dimensional world. This is the essence of choice for anyone who wishes to develop their insight and psychic skills. Itg enables us to communicate with other realms and enhances our intuition.

"We will be spiritually more fulfilled as we gain further insights into out wonderful universe and about our own purpose in life, and this enables us to be a light for others too."

Blah, blah, blah. Perhaps I was a Himalayan Blue Poppy in a previous life. That might account for my obsession with meconopsis.

The Much Sought-After Blue Poppy
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