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Brilliant orange flowers of the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) with finely divided blue-green foliage.

© Missvain · CC BY 4.0 · Commons

California poppy

Kalifornischer Mohn · (Eschscholzia californica)

Poppy family (Papaveraceae)

Description

The California poppy (also called golden poppy or 'Schlafmützchen' in German) is a low-growing annual to short-lived perennial of the poppy family, with finely divided blue-green foliage and brilliant orange to golden saucer-shaped flowers that open in sunshine and close at night and in cold weather. Native to California and the southwestern United States and Mexico, it is now cultivated worldwide as an ornamental. Despite its name it is not the same as the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum): it contains no morphine and no opiates. Its effects come from an entirely different group of alkaloids (including californidine, eschscholtzine and protopine). The medicinal part is the flowering aerial parts of the herb (Eschscholziae herba).

  • TeaAerial partsInternalTraditional use

    Traditional tea from the herb to relieve mild symptoms of mental stress and as a gentle sleep aid. Unlike the opium poppy it is not addictive and contains no morphine.

    Preparation & dosage

    Pour about 150 ml of boiling water over 1–2 g of dried, comminuted herb, cover and steep for 10 minutes, then strain. As a sleep aid, drink one cup about 30–60 minutes before going to bed; for relief of mild mental stress, spread doses over the day.

    Dry amount
    1–2 g
    Doses per day
    2×

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults aged 18 and over only; not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data (EMA HMPC).

    [#ema_monograph] [#wikipedia_de] [#wikipedia_en]

  • TinctureAerial partsInternalTraditional use

    Alcoholic extract of the flowering herb, traditionally used for mild mental stress and difficulty falling asleep. Because of the alcohol content and sedative effect, do not take before driving.

    Preparation & dosage

    Take 1–4 ml of tincture (typically 1:5 in alcohol) in a little water. As a sleep aid, take one dose about 30–60 minutes before bedtime; for mild mental stress, as needed, up to twice daily.

    Liquid amount
    1–4 ml
    Doses per day
    2×

    ⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 18 years — Adults aged 18 and over only; not for children and adolescents under 18 due to lack of data (EMA HMPC).

    [#ema_monograph] [#wikipedia_en]

🤝 Permaculture Partners

In your garden, this plant acts as:

Pollinator Magnet Medicinal Ground Cover

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