Page 58 - Lost Book Remedies

The Lost Book of Herbal Remedies

California Poppy,

Eschscholzia californica

The California poppy has sedative and healing effects
but is not psychoactive or narcotic like some poppy
species.

The California poppy is a species of flowering plant in
the Papaveraceae (Poppy) Family, It is native to West-
ern North America. It occurs across a variety of habi-
tats including coastal, foothill, valley, and desert re- California poppy, Wikipedia Commons
gions, at elevations below 7000 feet (2133m). It is also
known as Golden Poppy and Cup of Gold due to its and is sedative. It is non-addictive and can help with
golden color. opiate withdrawal. It most likely works with GABA re-
ceptors. The entire plant is used medicinally, with the
Identification: The California poppy is a flowering root being the most potent part.
annual or deep-rooted perennial. It is 1/2 to 2 feet
(0.6m) tall, and its foliage is blue-green in color. Its Sedative Properties and Antispasmodic:
leaves are compound, with three finely divided lobes, California poppy is a mild sedative that also works well
and are nearly smooth with no hair. for incontinence, especially for children. It aids in
treating sleep deprivation, anxiety, and nervous ten-
California poppy produces upright flowers on branch- sion. The sap is somewhat narcotic and works well for
ing stems with four bright orange to yellow petals. The alleviating toothaches. Unlike opium poppy, it does
flowers often have distinct, darker orange centers. not depress the nervous system and it’s much milder
in action. Take it at bedtime since it induces sleep. It is
also an antispasmodic.
California poppy flower, Wikipedia Commons
Normalizes Psychological Function, PTSD,
and Anxiety: California poppy seems to normalize
the thinking patterns of people with psychological is-
sues, and is mild enough to use for children. It does not
have a narcotic effect, but helps calm the spirit and
helps people regain normal function. It works well for
anxiety disorders and PTSD.
Suppresses the Milk in Nursing Mothers:
When lactation is not desired, apply California Poppy
Tea made from the roots as a wash on the breasts to
suppress the flow of milk. It helps the milk dry up
The seed capsules of California poppy are cylindrically quickly.
shaped and burst open from the base when ripe. These
capsules open explosively to aid in seed dispersal, Harvesting: Harvest the entire plant when it is flow-
ejecting the small seeds up to 6 feet (1.83m) from the ering from June to September and dry for use in tinc-
parent plant. Its tiny round seeds are usually gray to tures and infusions.
gray-brown in color when mature. Warning: Do not drive or operate heavy machinery,
Edible Use: Its leaves are edible if cooked. Caution as it is a sedative.
is advised because other plants in the family are poi- Recipes. California Poppy Infusion: 1 to 2
sonous. teaspoons of dried California poppy plant or root, 1 cup
Medicinal Use: The California poppy is a diuretic, boiling water. Make a strong tea by infusing the dried
relaxes spasms, relieves pain, promotes perspiration, herb in boiling water for 10 minutes and allowing it to

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