Medicinal Herb Post #18 written on June 21, 2018
California Poppy – Eschscholizia californica
This sun loving annual holds some great pain relieving and relaxation benefits. It is a very safe and effective nervine. You can use it for children if they’ll take it… but it’s very bitter. There are no addictive side effects or highs that come with it at all. Harvest the flowers as they open after the sun is up in the late morning or early afternoon. I also let some blooms go to seed so they come back every year. The flowers don’t last longer than a year so use them right after you dry them in a tincture or save to use in a tea. I’ve read that it can be used as a poultice to dry up milk in a mother who no longer breastfeeds. The root can be used for toothaches and treating lice.
Here is a formula that can be used for pain, headaches, anxiety and even sleep – use equal parts valerian root, skullcap, lemon balm, and CA poppy flowers. Make a tincture, tea or capsules. 1 tsp for adults or 1/2 tsp for children every 2-3 hours or as needed.
Because this herb is very effective it shouldn’t be used with other prescription drugs without first consulting with your medical provider. I just recently learned that it is illegal to pick the flowers outside of your own yard in California.
