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California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a perennial (or annual in a harsh climate) plant with beautiful orange flowers. For their brilliant shades of red, orange and yellow it’s also called golden poppy, California sunlight or cup of gold. California poppy is native to the United States and Mexico but also extends to Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Arizona, and New Mexico. Because of that, the indigenous tribes in California traditionally used as medicine and cosmetics. And on top of that it’s the state flower of California. But let’s see what else can it give us, besides its beauty.
Sleep Aid
The California poppy contains a variety of natural compounds found exclusively in this plant. Thanks to these compounds, it is known for its mild sedative properties. It can help promote relaxation and alleviate restlessness without the risk of dependency or severe side effects associated with synthetic sedatives. For example, in a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine in 2020, taking California poppy extract combined with valerian root decreased Insomnia Severity Index by 30%. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a natural remedy for insomnia. To help with the sleep you can make a tee from its leaves, or use a tincture.
Anxiety Relief
The anxiolytic properties of the California poppy make it effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety. It can help calm the mind and reduce feelings of nervousness, making it a valuable tool for managing everyday stress. Sometimes it is combined with other herbs, like chamomile, valerian, or lemon balm, which enhances the calming effect. A study published in the Current Medical Research and Opinion in 2004, for instance, showed that taking a combination of Hawthorn and California poppy extracts proved safe and more effective than placebo in treating mild-to-moderate anxiety disorders.
Pain Relief
Traditionally, folk medicine practitioners used the California poppy to relieve pain, including headaches, muscle pain, and nerve pain. Its analgesic properties make it useful for those looking for natural pain management options.
Non-Addictive Alternative
One of the significant advantages of the California poppy is that it is non-addictive, unlike many prescription sedatives and painkillers. This makes it a safer option for long-term use in managing anxiety, sleep disorders, and pain.
Growing California Poppy
California poppies are easy to cultivate. The seed are readily available and in addition to a typical golden-orange color you can find other colors and shapes as well. Also, it requires very little water, which makes it easier to care about, and to let your other plants have more. Besides, with its extremely high levels of pollen production, the poppy is an important food source for beneficial insects. It’s usually makes sense to grow it as annual plant, sowing the seeds every year.
To grow California poppies and many other useful plants I recommend an excellent Medicinal Garden Kit by Nicole Apelian, Ph.D.
The kit contains among other things high-quality non-GMO chicory seeds, as well as recipes for:
- Deep Sleep Tincture
- Analgesic Salve
- Sleep Tea Blend
- California Poppy Decoction for Head Lice
- California Poppy Vinegar
- California Poppy Infusion
Other seeds included in the kit:
- Chicory
- Yarrow
- Marshmallow
- Chamomile
- Evening Primrose
- Lavender
- Echinacea
- Calendula
- Feverfew
Conclusion
The California poppy is a beautiful flower that will not only be a lovely addition to your garden but is also easy to grow and can help with sleep, stress, and anxiety problems. And of course it’s better to talk to your doctor before using California poppy as medicine, especially if you’re pregnant, nursing or taking any medications.
