California Poppy - bring more light into your life

A natural pain reliever and mild sedative for insomnia, hypertension, colic, bedwetting and more

California Poppy, Eschsholzia californica, is a native California wildflower, which is also known as the Golden Poppy and Cups of Flame. California Poppy has been widely naturalized in many parts of the world and is an adaptable garden plant.

In addition to being a great garden plant, California Poppy is a fantastic medicinal herb rich in vitamins A, C and E as well as minerals such as calcium and magnesium. This herb has been traditionally used by the Native American peoples for toothaches, headaches, stomach aches, and as a sleep aid for children. This phenomenal natural pain reliever is a safe alternative for acute nerve and muscle pain that can also help reduce high fever, rapid pulse and spasmodic coughs.

California Poppy is also used as a mild sedative that is highly beneficial for relieving anxiety, stress, panic attacks, insomnia, hypertension, and colic and bedwetting in children. It is also useful for improving cognitive skills such as memory and concentration, making it a great herb for students and adults alike. The combination of a relaxant and cognitive enhancer makes California Poppy a great herb for behavioral disorders such as OCD, Bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s, ADD, and ADHD. Unlike the opium poppy, California Poppy contains no opiates and is non-addictive.

Additional uses:

California Poppy contains antimicrobial properties, making it a great herb to add to salves and creams to speed up the healing process of cuts, wounds and skin ailments.
When mixed with coconut oil, California poppy powder is helpful in treating head lice.
California Poppy tea is wonderful to drink before bed to help prepare the body for a full and restful night’s sleep. To make California Poppy tea - Add 2 tsp of dried herb to 1 cup of boiling water. Let steep covered 10 minutes or more before drinking. California Poppy tea can be a bit bitter (especially when collected after seed pods have formed), and is best sweetened with raw honey.

California Poppy's Energetic Qualities

The energetic qualities of the California Poppy are reflected in its appearance and botanical properties. This plant has a close connection with sunlight – opening mid-morning and closing as evening approaches. If it becomes cloudy or overcast, the blossoms close, reopening once sunlight returns. California Poppy foliage is feather-like and airy, a flower that is bright orange, and a deep tap-root that helps it thrive even in difficult conditions. This is a prolific herbal plant that easily reseeds itself year after year, without becoming too invasive. The fire and air elements prominently characterize this wonderful herb and garden plant, while maintaining a strong connection to the earth element through its deep roots. It’s no wonder this is such a great herbal nervine that can calm states of pain, restlessness, anxiety, and insomnia – helping to guide us towards the light.

Information in this article was taken from:

Medical Medium Chestnut School of Herbal Medicine Flower Essence Society

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​California Poppy - bring more light into your life