The Opium Wars, a series of conflicts fought between China and Western powers in the 19th century, represent a pivotal chapter in world history with far-reaching consequences for global geopolitics, trade, and culture. Rooted in the illicit trade of opium, these wars exposed the tensions between imperial expansion, economic interests, and national sovereignty.

The Opium Wars emerged against the backdrop of the Qing Dynasty's isolationist policies and the growing demand for Chinese goods, particularly tea and silk, in Western markets. To address trade imbalances, British merchants began smuggling opium grown in British-controlled India into China, where it was exchanged for valuable commodities.

This illicit trade flourished despite Chinese efforts to suppress it, leading to escalating tensions between the two powers. Opium tea, also known as poppy tea or doda tea, is a beverage made by steeping dried opium poppy pods or seeds in hot water.

While historically used for its analgesic and sedative properties, opium tea is associated with significant risks and legal implications due to its opioid content and potential for addiction and overdose. .