Herb Profile: California Poppy

California Poppy, Eschscholzia californica

This beautiful plant is related to the opium poppy but is much gentler and can even be used for children. California poppy is a great nervous system relaxer, sedative and pain reliever. For insomnia, it works great especially for those who lie awake for hours at night thinking through all their to-do lists. Also for those with muscular-skeletal related pain, it is a mild anti-spasmodic and is helpful for menstrual cramps and other cramping.

During the day we like to use the tincture for anxiety, taking just 5 to 10 drops of tincture every once in a while throughout the day. In general, our preference is to tincture California poppy fresh or use it for tea. For insomnia, we usually take 20 - 50 drops of tincture before bed, adjusting as needed.

We also like to make an oil with the flowers for topical use, particularly for nerve related pain and will often combine it with fresh st johns wort oil as well. 

Preparations:

Sleep Tea - Use 2 teaspoons dried herb per cup, or double that for fresh herbs, steep 8 minutes covered. Drink 1 hour before bedtime.

1 part catnip 

1 part skullcap

1/2 part chamomile

1/2 part wild rose

1/2 part lavender

1/2 part california poppy

1/4 part hops