Herbs - California Poppy (Eschsholzia californica).

What Is It?

This is an upright, compact annual or tender perennial, native to California and the south-western United States. It is extremely drought tolerant and ideal for arid environments. The brilliant orange cup shaped flower, is the state flower of California. It is a relative of the Opium poppy, but contains no opiate alkaloids, and is not addictive. The whole plant is used in herbal medicine.

Action

This herb contains compounds called flavone glycosides. It has mild hypnotic, analgesic, sedative and nerve relaxing properties.

Uses

Historically California Poppy has been used to treat a number of conditions including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Insomnia
• Migraine
• Neuralgia
• Nervous bowel
• Pain
• Stress

Other Information

California Poppy is sometimes available in capsules. It also combines well with Passiflora, and may be useful for hyperactivity and sleeplessness. Equal parts of each loose herb can be used as a tea before bedtime for mild relaxing and sedative effect.

Cautions

• The safety of California Poppy during pregnancy and lactation has not been sufficiently studied.
• At the time of writing this article no well known side effects or drug interactions occur.

This information is licensed for use by Wellbeing Information Systems Ltd ("WIS"), and protected by international copyright law. All rights are reserved. (email info@wisinfo.co.uk). The information provided by WIS is for guidance only. Whilst it is based upon the expert advice of leading professionals, and extensive research, it is not a substitute for diagnosis by a qualified professional. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist or qualified practitioner before making any changes or additions to prescribed medication.