California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

 

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is also known as Golden Poppy, copa de oro, and Khishkhash Kalifornia. California Poppy is a perennial herb native to the American west coast, particularly California. It is the state flower of California and can be found growing abundantly along highways and roadsides there. Native Americans used California Poppy to treat headaches, anxiety, insomnia, as a topical analgesic, and to relieve tooth pain. In fact, California Poppy is considered a sub-opiate, as it is a milder version of the red poppy from which we get opium.

The California Poppy grows to 13–152 cm tall, with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are alternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, each petal 2 to 6 cm long and broad; flower color ranges from yellow to orange, with flowering from February to September in the northern hemisphere (spring, summer, autumn). The petals close at night or in cold, windy weather and open again the following morning, although they may remain closed in cloudy weather. The fruit is a slender, dehiscent capsule 3 to 9 cm long, which splits in two to release the numerous small black or dark brown seeds. It survives mild winters in its native range, dying completely in colder climates.

Medicinal Benefits

All parts of the plant are used medicinally and can be harvested at any time. The California Poppy can be smoked, diffused in a diffuser/vaporizer, used as an infusion or tea, or even as a readily prepared tincture or powder. It is most commonly used when treating insomnia, pain, anxiety issues, incontinence, and nervous tension.

The relaxing tea of California Poppy (five grams per cup) may assist with opiate withdrawal.

It has also been seen to reduce the effects of ADD and ADHD and increase mental and memory concentration in older adults. It can also help to suppress lactation in women who have been breastfeeding or who have recently given birth and do not plan to breastfeed.

While all of these can be helpful, California Poppy's most recognition is for it's use as an analgesic and antispasmodic, making it helpful in relieving the symptoms of joint, muscle, and nerve pain.

Methods of Use

Diffusion: (with a diffuser or vaporizer) turns the herb into a mist that can be inhaled.

Smoked: With rolling papers or pipe.

As an Infusion or Tea: The roots, seeds, and leaves of the California Poppy as well as the prepared powder can be used to make an infusion or tea.

As a prepared Tincture: (liquid herbal extract) A few ml of California Poppy before bed can help with insomnia.

Effects

Users of this herb report relaxation, mild sleepiness, slight sedation, feeling less anxiety, relief of aches and pains, and a mild euphoria.

Though the California Poppy taste is bitter and somewhat unpleasant, it provides a number of pleasant results that last about an hour.

Side Effects

Unlike actual opium, the California Poppy has no known side effects, it is not addictive and non-habit forming. However, users are still cautioned not to drive or operate heavy machinery after using it. It is also not recommended for use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Where to buy California Poppy?

California Poppy is available on Amazon, and eBay. You can always find great deals on these sites.