California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica

The California poppy has sedative and healing effects but is not psychoactive or narcotic like some poppy species. The California poppy is a species of flowering plant in the Papaveraceae (Poppy) Family, It is native to Western North America. It occurs across a variety of habitats including coastal, foothill, valley, and desert regions, at elevations below 7000 feet (2133m). It is also known as Golden Poppy and Cup of Gold due to its golden color. Identification: The California poppy is a flowering annual or deep-rooted perennial. It is 1/2 to 2 feet (0.6m) tall, and its foliage is blue-green in color. Its leaves are compound, with three finely divided lobes, and are nearly smooth with no hair. California poppy produces upright flowers on branching stems with four bright orange to yellow petals. The flowers often have distinct, darker orange centers.

The seed capsules of California poppy are cylindrically shaped and burst open from the base when ripe. These capsules open explosively to aid in seed dispersal, ejecting the small seeds up to 6 feet (1.83m) from the parent plant. Its tiny round seeds are usually gray to gray-brown in color when mature. Edible Use: Its leaves are edible if cooked. Caution is advised because other plants in the family are poisonous. Medicinal Use: The California poppy is a diuretic, relaxes spasms, relieves pain, promotes perspiration, and is sedative. It is non-addictive and can help with opiate withdrawal. It most likely works with GABA receptors. The entire plant is used medicinally, with the root being the most potent part.

Sedative Properties and Antispasmodic:

California poppy is a mild sedative that also works well for incontinence, especially for children. It aids in treating sleep deprivation, anxiety, and nervous tension. The sap is somewhat narcotic and works well for alleviating toothaches. Unlike opium poppy, it does not depress the nervous system and it’s much milder in action. Take it at bedtime since it induces sleep. It is also an antispasmodic.

Normalizes Psychological Function, PTSD,

and Anxiety: California poppy seems to normalize the thinking patterns of people with psychological issues, and is mild enough to use for children. It does not have a narcotic effect, but helps calm the spirit and helps people regain normal function. It works well for anxiety disorders and PTSD.

Suppresses the Milk in Nursing Mothers:

When lactation is not desired, apply California Poppy Tea made from the roots as a wash on the breasts to suppress the flow of milk. It helps the milk dry up quickly. Harvesting: Harvest the entire plant when it is flowering from June to September and dry for use in tinctures and infusions. Warning: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery, as it is a sedative. Recipes. California Poppy Infusion: 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried California poppy plant or root, 1 cup boiling water. Make a strong tea by infusing the dried herb in boiling water for 10 minutes and allowing it to

California poppy flower, Wikipedia Commons California poppy, Wikipedia Commons