Papaveraceae
California Poppy
Eschscholzia californica
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Western United States, Mexico
Also known as: California Poppy, Golden Poppy, Cup of Gold
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Whole plantRoot
Therapeutic Uses
Insomnia, anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, pain (mild-moderate), bed-wetting in children, nervous cough, teething pain (topical). LEGAL — not related to opium poppy, no opiates present, non-addictive.
Herbal Actions
Sedative, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, analgesic, hypnotic
Active Constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine, protopine, allocryptopine, sanguinarine in low amounts), flavonoids, carotenoids
Preparation Methods
🏺 Tincture☕ Herbal Tea💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried plant per 250ml, steep 15 min, 1–3x daily |
| Tincture | 1–3 ml (1:5, 60% ethanol, whole fresh plant), 1–3x daily |
| Notes | Fresh whole plant tincture superior. Gentle enough for children at lower doses. Not addictive — no opiates. Good sleep formula: combine with passionflower and valerian. Does NOT test positive for opiates on drug tests. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with MAOIs (alkaloid interactions). Caution with CNS depressants. Avoid in pregnancy (insufficient safety data). Not for infants under 6 months.
Side Effects: Sedation (do not drive). Mild GI discomfort. Headache at high doses. Generally very well tolerated.