California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Papaveraceae)

Other Names: Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, Cup of Gold

Native to California, this plant is perennial in its homeland but grown as an annual or biennial in Europe since its introduction in 1790. Prized for its attractive flowers, it is a favorite among gardeners. The erect stems reach up to 60 cm, bearing long, serrated, bluish-green leaves. Orange, yellow, pink, or red flowers bloom in summer at the stem tips. The fruit, a dotted capsule, splits open when ripe, dispersing its seeds.

Parts for Use

Stems, Leaves, and Flowers

1. Stems, flowers, and leaves are harvested from July to September.
2. They are dried and crushed for use in infusions, liquid extracts, capsules, and tinctures.
3. California poppy is often combined with calming herbs like passionflower and valerian in herbal preparations.

Ingredients

Like other members of the Papaveraceae family, California poppy contains numerous alkaloids. It is also rich in flavonoids, particularly carotenoids, which give its flowers their vibrant colors.

Use in Treatment

California poppy preparations are commonly recommended for nervous disorders and bedwetting in children. They have long been used to promote sleep and treat insomnia, with animal studies confirming their efficacy in achieving deeper sleep. The plant is used alone or combined with other calming herbs like passionflower, valerian, or olive. California poppy also exhibits anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic properties.

Cultivation

A hardy plant, California poppy is easily grown from seeds sown between spring and early summer or in late summer. It thrives in well-drained, sandy soil in warm, sunny locations.

Preparation and Dosage

For Internal Use (Insomnia, Nervous Exhaustion, Bedwetting in Children)

1. Infusion: Place one teaspoon of dried plant parts in a cup of boiling water, steep for 10 minutes, strain, and drink one to two cups in the evening.
2. Liquid Extract: Take 1–2 mL in a glass of water in the evening.
3. Capsules (50–75 mg dry extract): Take one to two capsules just before bedtime.
4. Tincture (1:4 in 45% alcohol): Take 10 drops three times daily in a small amount of cold water after meals, and up to 20 drops before bedtime.

Warnings

1. Consult a healthcare professional before use.
2. Do not use California poppy preparations during pregnancy.
3. Due to its sedative effects, avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while using California poppy.