Californian Poppy Benefits | Sleep and Nervous System Support

 

For centuries, Californian Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) has been valued in traditional herbal medicine for its calming and soothing effects. It is known for supporting the nervous system and promoting restful sleep. Californian Poppy is used to address stress, anxiety, and insomnia. Native American tribes traditionally utilised this herb for pain relief and as a gentle sedative, and it has since continued to gain recognition in Western herbal medicine for its therapeutic actions.

Californian Poppy Pharmacology

Botanical Name 

Eschscholzia californica

Other Common Names

 Golden Poppy, California Sunlight, Cup of Gold & Flame Flower.

Part Used

Aerial parts (flowers, leaves, and stems), occasionally the roots.

Main Therapeutic Compounds

Alkaloids (californidine, eschscholtzine, protopine), flavonoids, carotenoids, and phytosterols.

Herbal Actions

Nervine
Sedative
Anxiolytic
Hypnotic
Antispasmodic
Analgesic

Calendula Herbal Benefits

Nervous System Support || Sleep Aid || Stress Relief || Mild Pain Relief || Spasm Reduction || Anxiety Management

Stress & Anxiety Relief

Californian Poppy is a well-known herb for alleviating mild stress and anxiety. Its alkaloids, particularly eschscholtzine and protopine, have demonstrated interactions with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting a calming effect without the risk of dependency. Research published in the Journal of Biochemical Research International (2015) demonstrated that extracts of Californian poppy modulate GABAergic transmission, reducing anxiety-like behaviour in animal models.
A randomised controlled trial by Hanus et al. (2004) explored the effects of combining Californian Poppy with other herbs like Valerian for anxiety treatment. The study revealed significant decreases in anxiety symptoms compared to placebo, supporting its potential usefulness within herbal formulations for anxiety management.

Sleep Disorders

The calming effects of Californian Poppy make it a popular herbal supplement for insomnia and other sleep issues. Research shows that the alkaloids in California poppy bind to GABA-A receptors, promoting relaxation and facilitating quality sleep.
Research by Ait Abdellah et al. (2019) explored the effects of a combination of Californian Poppy and Valerian on adjustment insomnia. The study found significant improvements in sleep quality and duration, including reduced time to fall asleep and fewer nocturnal awakenings. These findings also emphasised not only its effectiveness for fragmented sleep patterns but also its safety. No adverse effects were reported in the study, and the combination of herbs was found to be non-habit-forming.

Pain & Muscle Spasms

 

Traditionally used as a mild analgesic, Californian Poppy may help alleviate minor aches, pains, and muscle spasms. Research has demonstrated its ability to reduce discomfort by modulating pain pathways and relaxing smooth muscle tissues. A review by Al-Snafi (2017) highlighted the antinociceptive (pain-relieving) effects of Californian poppy, attributing this to its alkaloid content, particularly protopine and allocryptopine. The review noted that these compounds may modulate pain perception by interacting with specific receptors and calcium channels, providing pain relief without sedation.

Californian Poppy Typical Use

Infusion (Tea)

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried Californian Poppy (aerial parts) in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. The tea can be consumed up to three times daily for relaxation or 30 minutes before bed for sleep support. 

Tincture & Liquid Extract

 

Dosages can vary depending on the concentration of the tincture. As a general guide, typical adult use is 1-2ml daily, divided into smaller doses. It is essential to follow the instructions provided on a product or consult a healthcare practitioner for personalised advice.

 

Capsules or Tablets

The appropriate dosage of standardised extracts can depend on the specific formulation and concentration. As a general guideline, typical adult use ranges from 250-500mg daily, divided into one or two doses. Always refer to the product's label or consult a healthcare practitioner for individualised recommendations.

Herbal Combinations

Californian Poppy pairs well with Valerian, Passionflower, Skullcap, and Lemon Balm.

Cautions & Safety

Californian Poppy is considered safe for most individuals when used as directed. However, it is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Caution is advised when using this herb alongside strong painkillers, sedatives and other medications used to manage stress, anxiety or insomnia, as it may increase the risk of adverse effects. The tea may be a safer option for individuals taking these medications, as it is less likely to interact with CYP enzymes and P-glycoprotein pathways compared to concentrated extracts (Manda et al., 2016).
If you have a medical condition or take medications, consult your primary healthcare practitioner before use.

References

 

Yarnell E, Abascal K. Nervine Herbs for Treating Anxiety. Alternative & Complementary Therapies. 2004;10(6):309-315. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244888169_Nervine_Herbs_for_Treating_Anxiety

 

Bone K, Mills S. Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy. Elsevier Health Sciences, 2013.

https://www.elsevier.com/

 

Hanus M, Lafon J, Mathieu M. Double-blind, Randomised, Placebo-controlled Study to Evaluate the Efficacy and Safety of a Fixed Combination Containing Two Plant Extracts (Crataegus oxyacantha and Eschscholtzia californica) and Magnesium in Mild-to-Moderate Anxiety Disorders. Curr Med Res Opin. 2004 Jan;20(1):63-71.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14741074/

 

Fedurco M, et al. Modulatory Effects of Eschscholzia californica Alkaloids on Recombinant GABAA Receptors. Biochemical Research International. 2015 Oct 5;2015:617620. 

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26509084/

 

Rolland A, et al. Behavioural effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties. Planta Med. 1991 Jun;57(3):212-6.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1680240/

 

Ait Abdellah S, et al. A Combination of Eschscholtzia californica Cham. and Valeriana officinalis L. Extracts for Adjustment Insomnia: A Prospective Observational Study. J Tradit Complement Med. 2019 Mar 1;10(2):116-123.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7109475/

 

Al-Snafi AE. Eschscholzia californica: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Review. Thi Qar University. January 2017.

https://zenodo.org/records/344931

 

Rolland A, Fleurentin J, Lanhers MC, Misslin R, Mortier F. Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae). Phytother Res. 2001 Aug;15(5):377-81.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11507727/

 

Manda VK, Ibrahim MA, Dale OR, Kumarihamy M, Cutler SJ, Khan IA, Walker LA, Muhammad I, Khan SI. Modulation of CYPs, P-gp, and PXR by Eschscholzia californica (California Poppy) and Its Alkaloids. Planta Med. 2016 Apr;82(6):551-8.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27054913/