California poppy or Eschscholzia californica is a flowering plant native to California. It is a yearly blossoming plant and can grow up to two feet tall. California poppy is also called in other names like the flame flower, copa de oro (cup of gold), and la amapola. California poppy is found along the north in Washington State, south in Mexico, and the entire western coast of the United States. The California poppy seed also grows in other countries such as Australia, Chile, and France. Aside from being the state flower of the state of California, it is also widely known and used as an herbal supplement. California poppy contains two compounds namely, californine and protopine which are known as alkaloids. These alkaloids found in California poppy make it useful in treating several medical conditions. It is beneficial in treating conditions such as bladder and liver problems, bedwetting in children, aches and pains, nerve pain, anxiety, insomnia, and depression. The California poppy seed is used by many cultures as food and medicine.
California Poppy (Herb Pharm)
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As food, the California poppy seed is used in dishes like fruits and vegetable salads, cakes, strudels, fish, and noodles. It is also used as a dressing in international cuisines such as Jewish, German, Slavic, Moghlai, and Indian cuisines. The California poppy seed is used in cooking since it contains edible oil. As a medicine, the California poppy seed is a rich source of calcium and phosphorous. California poppy is also used to relieve spasms. California poppy seed extracts can help in relieving chronic coughs which are a type of spasm, fever, and rapid pulse. California poppy is sometimes smoked due to its mild sedative and euphoric effects. Unlike the opium poppy, it is not addicting or habit-forming. Its mild and safe relaxant properties are not damaging to the nervous system and are therefore not illegal.
As a tincture, California poppy can be applied externally to cuts and scrapes since it has antimicrobial properties. It is an effective treatment for the elimination of head lice. It can also be used as an external wash to suppress lactation in breastfeeding women. The sedative properties of California poppy are helpful in treating behavioral disorders like ADD and ADHD in children and young adults. In can also help the elderly in improving their memory, concentration, and intellectual capacity. California poppy is an effective herbal treatment for toothache. Its odontalgic properties are found in the plant’s root. It is cut and applied directly to the affected area.
California poppy is available in dry herb or tincture extract form. The daily dosage for California poppy seed will depend on the health condition involved. To make tea diffusions, use 2 grams of dried herb for every 150 ml of water. It should be taken 2 to 3 times daily. To promote relaxation and sleep, add 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls of dried herb into a cup of boiling water. Let it sit for about 10 minutes and drink immediately before going to bed. For mild pain and anxiety, 15 to 25 drops, 2 to 3 times a day of California poppy tincture or extract form is recommended. For severe cases, 30 to 40 drops, 2 to 5 times a day is the recommended dosage.
