Medicinal Plants : Eschscholzia californica

Name

Californian Poppy

Biological Name

Eschscholzia californica
Papaveraceae

Other Names

Californian Poppy

Parts Used

Dried aerial parts

Active Compounds

Alkaloids similar to Opium Poppy; flavone glycosides.

History

Local Indians used the plant as a painkiller, especially for toothache, and as a poultice for sores and ulcers. Indian women used it to charm unresponsive lovers. Today some cook the plant in olive oil to make a hair tonic that is said to make the hair grow thick and shiny.

Remedies For

Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne.

Californian Poppy has the reputation of being a non-addictive alternative to the Opium Poppy, though it is less powerful. It has been used as a sedative and hypnotic for children, where there is over-excitability and sleeplessness. It can be used wherever an anti-spasmodic remedy is required. The Native Americans used it for colic pains and it may be useful in the treatment of gall-bladder colic.

Description

A perennial herb, with spreading stems, growing up to 2 feet tall. The leaves are divided many times into fine greenish-gray segments. Conspicuous flowers (February-September) range in color from bright yellow to deep orange and have four petals and many stamens.

Dosage

Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto 1-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. A cup should be drunk at night to promote restful sleep.

Tincture: take 1-4 ml of the tincture at night.

Safety

No information available. Some herbs are known to react with your medication. Please consult your physician before starting on any herb.