California Poppy Herb Profile

Also known as

Eschscholzia californica, Western Poppy, Poppy, and Gold Poppy.

Introduction

The California poppy is the state flower of California, a tender perennial plant bearing blue-green leaves and 2 to 4 inch (5 to 10 cm) wide flowers that open in bright sun and close on cloudy days and at night. The California poppy is considered an ancient plant whose origins are not entirely known. Native Americans in California prized them as a source of food and for the oil that could be extracted from the plant.

Constituents

Alkaloids, principally cryptopine.

Parts Used

Above-ground parts of the plant, dried.

Typical Preparations

Most frequently used as a tincture. Also commonly combined with birthwort, night-blooming cereus, kava, lavender, passionflower, St. John's wort, and/or valerian. Can also be taken as a tea or encapsulated.

Summary

Precautions

Safety not established during pregnancy or nursing or for children under the age of 6.