California poppy: properties, uses and contraindications

The beautiful California poppy (Eschscholzia californica Cham) is a plant well known and appreciated by gardeners and hobbyists around the world. It is very frequently planted in parks and gardens in warm environments, and has the advantage of having a long flowering period.

As its name suggests, it is native to California, where it is considered the state flower, as well as that of other neighboring states. However, it can also be found spontaneously in some places in Europe, including our country. In Tenerife, concentrations of California poppies have been seen next to the Canary Island pine forests of the Teide forest crown.

What is the California poppy

The California poppy is a plant up to 60 cm tall, with highly divided linear leaves, feathery in appearance, erect stems, and beautiful solitary flowers with wide petals and an intense orange or yellow color. The fruit is a capsule up to 10 cm long.

For medicinal purposes, the flowers are harvested in full bloom. It grows on sandy soils, in wastelands and slopes.

The native populations of that part of North America used poppy sap or its powder to combat toothache, but also to soothe ulcers and skin wounds.

It is also said that Indian women used a potion prepared with the powder of this herb to try to dazzle their lover. Today a lotion is made, with the infusion boiled in olive oil, to strengthen the roots of the hair.

The california poppy–as it is known in English– is rich in various alkaloids, such as berberidine, californidine, protopin or chelidonine, and also contains cyanogenic glycosides, flavonoids and a coloring substance, scolciaxanthin.

Medicinal properties

Its basic characteristic, which it shares with the common poppy, is its relaxing and antispasmodic effect.A slightly hypnotic action is attributed to it, in addition to analgesic and sedative. It is indicated above all as a natural resource against insomnia, for which it is considered superior even to the common poppy. Promotes a peaceful and restful sleep.Also reduces tachycardianervous tics, episodes of irritability punctual and states of stress and anxiety mild. It is useful to alleviate headaches and muscle crampsand is considered a good support to avoid or reduce the hypertension.The simple infusion of California poppy is also recommended to relieve gastrointestinal spasms associated with situations of nervous tension.

Infusion to sleep

To promote sleep, you can use an effective California poppy infusion that is easy to prepare at home. Half a cup is taken after dinner and half before going to bed.

How to prepare it: California poppy is mixed in equal parts with three other sedative plants: passion flower, common poppy and lemon balm, plus star anise to sweeten.How to take it: Boil one level tablespoon of the mixture per cup of water for just one minute and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes. Its flavor can be improved with orange blossom honey.

Precautions and contraindications

Due to its alkaloid content, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and lactation, and in children.

In no case should it be made compatible with taking other sedatives or antidepressants, or with alcoholic beverages.

Jordi Cebrian. Advisor: J. Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”