{"id":5775,"date":"2021-11-24T08:48:32","date_gmt":"2021-11-24T08:48:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=herb&p=5775"},"modified":"2026-03-02T10:56:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T10:56:42","slug":"california-poppy","status":"publish","type":"herb","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/california-poppy\/","title":{"rendered":"California poppy"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":5782,"parent":0,"menu_order":-230,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"rest-api","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"3e992c7f-8132-405f-a812-38e25857ae7c","beyondwords_preview_token":"34bd9fdc-3ae6-43f2-a697-e7073f4e772a","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[531,50,179,532,106,49],"conditions":[696,694,685],"sustainability":[1576],"sense":[18,17,16,27],"western_action":[990,997,1001,1003,1018,1019],"chinese_action":[],"ayurvedic_action":[],"energetics_action":[1498,1497,1490,1494,1380],"writer":[],"region":[1893],"class_list":["post-5775","herb","type-herb","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-california-poppy","tag-insomnia","tag-nervous","tag-poppy","tag-sleep","tag-stress","conditions-nervous-system","conditions-cardiovascular-system","conditions-digestive-system","sustainability-green-sustainability-status","sense-bitter","sense-aromatic","sense-hot","sense-sweet","western_action-analgesic","western_action-antispasmodic","western_action-bitter","western_action-carminative","western_action-relaxant","western_action-sedative","energetics_action-bitter","energetics_action-pungent","energetics_action-relaxing","energetics_action-sweet","energetics_action-warm","region-western-herbs"],"acf":{"last_reviewed":"20251218","herb_author":null,"banner_text":"California poppy is a potent anxiolytic and analgesic","latin_name":"Eschscholzia californica<\/em>","pseudonym_name":"","family_name":"Papaveraceae","herb_summary":"California poppy is a sedative herb that in smaller doses, helps to treat anxious states, whilst in larger doses can alleviate pain and promote sleep.","key_benefits":"Sedative\r\nAnxiolytic\r\nFor mild to moderate pain","how_does_it_feel":"A preparation of California poppy made by combination of infusion or tincture has a warmly aromatic odour. The initial taste is slightly sweet and warm, then a subsequent bitterness follows, as a result of the alkaloids. The initial sensation is one of immediate calm and relaxation as the warmth of the herb can be felt spreading throughout the body. <\/span>","hdif_image_1":5782,"hdif_image_2":6765,"hdif_image_3":5783,"hdif_video":"https:\/\/youtu.be\/u5dHbMGYfAw","sense":[17,18,16,27],"what_can_i_use_it_for":"[caption id=\"attachment_5782\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"516\"]\"California California poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy is used to ease nervous tension and facilitate a feeling of relaxation in the mind and the body. As a <\/span>sedative<\/span><\/a>, California poppy helps to promote sleep when taken in the evening before bed. It can be applied to support states of nervous exhaustion, and balance feelings of being tired and wired, often due to prolonged <\/span>stress<\/span><\/a> or <\/span>burnout<\/span><\/a> (1,2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nThis herb has both <\/span>antispasmodic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>nervine<\/span><\/a> actions, California poppy may also\u00a0 be used to ease spasm in the digestive system and in the urinary tract. This may be applied in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and enuresis (1,2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nDue to its antispasmodic and <\/span>relaxant<\/span><\/a> actions, it is helpful in relieving muscular tension and aches. This may be best achieved by a combined approach using a tea made from the fresh flowers accompanied with a salve applied topically to the affected area. Those with spasmodic conditions associated with the nervous system such as neuralgia and neuropathy will also likely find benefit from using this herb regularly (3).<\/span>\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy has a calming effect on the nervous system, which also makes it useful to use during acute periods of anxiety or during panic attacks. With its gentle nervine relaxant effect, it may also be used for insomnia, restlessness and <\/span>migraines<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is non-addictive and safe for all ages including children. Its gently sedative effects can be especially helpful in treating colic, restlessness or pain in children (1\u20134).<\/span>","into_the_heart_of":"[caption id=\"attachment_5783\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"510\"]\"California California poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy has a long tradition of use in Western herbal medicine for calming the nervous system and has been used for states of unrest such as insomnia, nervous agitation and mild to moderate pain. It can be used for any such presentations in children too, including over-excitability (5).\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy is an excellent nervine that is energetically both cooling and relaxing. This combination of properties offers a perfect antidote to a hot and wired system. This herb may be indicated in hyperactive and agitated states of the nervous system. This plant can provide a calming and centering effect during times of stress, anxiety, depression or burnout (2). It can also be applied to calm the mind during anxious states, especially when repetitive thoughts are a strong feature in affecting peace or sleep.\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy may be used for pain that interferes with sleep or for pain in the nerves such as is experienced in sciatica and shingles. This can be applied both topically and internally (1,2).\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy is thought to have an affinity with the emotional heart. This is due to its dynamic combination of antihypertensive, antispasmodic and nervine actions. It is especially indicated when stress and anxiety affecting the nervous system manifest in the cardiovascular system, such as increased heart rate, mild chest pain and palpitations (1,2).\r\n\r\nIt can be used to gently relax these tensions, harmonising the mind to bring a sense of calm and serenity to the heart.","tradtional_uses":"California poppy has a long tradition of use in Western herbal medicine for calming the nervous system, being used for states of unrest such as insomnia, nervous agitation and mild to moderate pain (6).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt was used by Native Americans as a food, (the whole plant was cooked and eaten as a vegetable) and as a medicine in various preparations for both children and adults. Tribes from different parts of California used the plant in various ways and for a variety of conditions. The Mendocino used a root preparation applied to a painful tooth, taken for stomach aches or applied as a wash for headaches.<\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Costanoan tribes used a decoction of the flowers to promote healthy sleep and as a preparation to be rubbed into hair to kill lice. The Chumash made a poultice of the seed pods to halt lactation in breast-feeding (7).<\/span>","what_practioners_say":"

\"NervousNervous system<\/span><\/a><\/h3>\r\nCalifornia poppy is primarily used to support conditions affecting the nervous system including panic, anxiety, stress and pain. The desired effect is determined by the dose, with lower doses eliciting an anxiolytic effect, whilst higher doses become more sedative and analgesic (1,2).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is a favoured remedy of many herbalists for use in minor aches and pains, especially if this is associated with nervous tension. It has a tradition of use for headaches and for colicky pains, so can help to ease cramps, spasms and is also useful for IBS. For overworked muscles, it can be taken in the form of a strong tea, and accompanied by an Epsom salt bath to ease soreness.<\/span>\r\n\r\nCalifornia poppy can help to quieten an overactive mind, especially when recurring thoughts prevent sleep and rest. In cases where this is accompanied by physical sensations of anxiety such as spasm or pain, this herb is especially helpful (2,4). It is a safe and effective children's remedy that can be used as\u00a0 a sleep aid when there is anxiety, pain or over-excitability. Sources also suggest it can be used for bedwetting (1).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt is often included in a mix with other nervous system relaxants for a synergistic effect. It combines well with <\/span>passionflower<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Passiflora incarnata<\/span><\/i>) for hyperactivity, sleep disturbances and incessant rumination. It can also be combined with <\/span>hops<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Humulus lupulus<\/span><\/i>) and <\/span>valerian<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Valeriana officinalis<\/span><\/i>) to aid with insomnia and sleeplessness (8,9).<\/span>\r\n\r\nIt can be mixed with another member of the poppy family \u2014 <\/span>corydalis<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Corydalis yanhusuo<\/span><\/i>) to increase the analgesic effect and in combination with <\/span>hawthorn<\/span><\/a> (<\/span>Crataegus monogyna<\/span><\/i>) to ease anxiety, especially when cardiac symptoms are present (1,8).\u00a0<\/span>","research":"[caption id=\"attachment_304799\" align=\"alignright\" width=\"513\"]\"California California poppy (Eschscholzia californica<\/em>)[\/caption]\r\n

Alkaloids from Eschscholzia californica<\/i> and their capacity to inhibit binding of [3H]8-Hydroxy-2-(di-N-propylamino)tetralin to 5-HT1A receptors in vitro<\/i><\/h3>\r\nIn this <\/span>in vitro<\/span><\/i> study, a 70% ethanol extract of California poppy was able to bind to serotonin receptors 5-HT(1A) \u2014 these are responsible for neuromodulation, decreasing blood pressure and heart rate by blood vessel dilation and vagus nerve stimulation. The activity on the 5-HT(1A) receptor was at least partly due to the presence of the aporphine alkaloidN-methyllaurotetatanine (10).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Modulatory effects of Eschscholzia californica<\/i> alkaloids on recombinant GABAA receptors<\/h3>\r\nThis preclinical study involved analysing the alkaloids from the aerial parts of <\/span>Eschscholzia californica <\/span><\/i>and their effect on human GABAa receptors. The study found (S)-reticuline alkaloids acted as a positive GABAa modulator. They concluded that the herb\u2019s sedative effects were due to (S)-reticuline alkaloids metabolising into morphine-like alkaloids acting at opioid receptors rather than direct GABAa binding. The study suggested using the herb in higher doses for stronger sedative effects (3).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

Double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a fixed combination containing two plant extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha<\/i> and Eschscholtzia californica<\/i>) and magnesium in mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders<\/h3>\r\nIn a double-blind randomised controlled trial a combination of California poppy, hawthorn (<\/span>Crataegus oxycantha<\/span><\/i>) and magnesium were compared to placebo to evaluate safety and efficacy of the combination on mild to moderate anxiety disorders. The trial was conducted amongst 264 adults diagnosed with mild-moderate generalised anxiety. Participants were divided into two groups, with one group (n=130) receiving the herbal extract, and the other (n=134) receiving placebo. The dosage given was two tablets twice a day for three months. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe Hamilton anxiety scale, somatic scores and change in patient self-assessment examined at day 7,14,30, 60 and 90 days after treatment showed that anxiety fell during treatment. The herbal treatment showed significant reductions in anxiety scores then placebo (p=0.005) suggesting these herbs can be effective in reducing anxiety (11).\u00a0<\/span>\r\n

A combination of Eschscholtzia californica<\/i> Cham. and Valeriana officinalis<\/i> L. extracts for adjustment insomnia: A prospective observational study<\/h3>\r\nThis open label, observational, longitudinal study was carried out in a French primary care setting to assess the effect of a supplement containing <\/span>Eschscholzia californica <\/span><\/i>and <\/span>Valeriana officinalis<\/span><\/i> on individuals with insomnia. Thirty-six patients were included in the study, and were instructed to take up to four tablets per night over the course of four weeks. Each tablet contained 80 mg of <\/span>Eschscholzia californica <\/span><\/i>and 32 mg <\/span>Valeriana officinalis<\/span><\/i> root extract. <\/span>\r\n\r\nResults showed that after one month insomnia severity was reduced (p<0.0001), sleep duration had increased by 0.5 hours (p=0.002) and waking in the night was also reduced. Anxiety scores were also improved (p<0.0001). This is a promising study for the use of California poppy in the treatment of anxiety and insomnia, however, more robust studies with a control group are warranted to further explore this herb (12).\u00a0<\/span>","did_you_know":"The opium poppy \u2013 <\/span>Papaver somniferum<\/span><\/i> is renowned for possessing potent sedative properties. The opioids (alkaloids within the plant) are utilised by the medical profession in the production of codeine and morphine.\u00a0 As well as the strong sedative quality, morphine is an extremely powerful analgesic. California poppy is a far safer distant cousin. As it contains no morphine, it is a non-addictive, gentle option that is used in some programmes of opiate withdrawal (13,14).<\/span>","additional_information_right":{"illustration":261163},"additional_information_left":{"botany":"Eschscholzia californica<\/span><\/i> has finely pinnated (feathery) blue-green leaves and intense warm yellow-orange solitary 4-petalled flowers, silky in texture and having long stems. <\/span>\r\n\r\nThe flowers close at night or in cold, windy weather. Slender, cylindrical ribbed seed capsules follow flowering, which split open rather explosively, spreading numerous small globular seeds up to six feet away. It is drought-tolerant and spreads well (15).<\/span>","common_names":"