Uses
What is California poppy used for?
California poppy is a plant. It is the state flower of California. People use the parts that grow above the ground for medicine.
It is used for treating these following conditions:
- Trouble sleeping (insomnia)
- Aches
- Nervous agitation
- Bed-wetting in children
- Diseases of the bladder and liver
- Promote relaxation
In combination with other herbs, California poppy is used for depression, long-term mental and physical tiredness (neurasthenia), nerve pain, various psychiatric conditions, blood vessel problems, sensitivity to weather changes, and sedation.
An herb combination including California poppy is also used for sleep and mood disturbance associated with strong, warm wind in the Alps (foehn illness).
How does it work?
There are not enough studies about how this herbal supplement works. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for more information. However, there are some studies showing that California poppy contains chemicals, which might cause relaxation and sleepiness.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using California poppy?
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
- You have allergy with any substances of California poppy or other medications or other herbals.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
- You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
The regulations for an herbal supplement are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking this herbal supplement must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.
How safe is California poppy?
California poppy appears to be safe for most people when taken appropriately by mouth for three months or less.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
Not enough is known about the use of California poppy during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Surgery:
California poppy can slow down the central nervous system, causing sleepiness and other effects. There is some concern that California poppy might slow down the central nervous system too much when combined with anesthesia and other medications used during and after surgery. Stop using California poppy at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.
Side effects
What kind of side effects may I have from California poppy?
Allergy reaction may occur when using this herbal, such as rash, irritation.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.
Interactions
What interactions may I have with California poppy?
This herbal supplement may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbal healer or doctor before using.
Products may interact with this herbal, including:
- Sedative medications (Benzodiazepines). California poppy might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Drugs that cause sleepiness and drowsiness are called sedatives. Taking California poppy along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some of these sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), diazepam (Valium), lorazepam (Ativan), and others.
- Sedative medications (CNS depressants). California poppy might cause sleepiness and drowsiness. Medications that cause sleepiness are called sedatives. Taking California poppy along with sedative medications might cause too much sleepiness. Some sedative medications include clonazepam (Klonopin), lorazepam (Ativan), phenobarbital (Donnatal), zolpidem (Ambien), and others.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.
What is the usual dose for California poppy?
Insomnia:
Take 20-50 drops (approx 1/4- 1/2 tsp) taken over the course of an hour before bed. Play around to find your dosage, but in general if you are small and sensitive, start lower and if you’re big and robust, try higher.
Pain:
Take 40-80 drops (1/2-1 tsp). Experiment with this. Too much and you’ll feel groggy, and its unnecessary. There’s a sweet spot at which pain is relieved so you can sleep better, and any more after that is just a waste of good plant matter.
Anxiety:
Throughout the day, take it in drop doses, usually 5-10 drops (1/8- 1/4 tsp) every few hours.
The dose for this herbal supplement may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.
What form does California poppy come in?
This herbal supplement may be available in the following dosage forms:
- Fluid extract
- Powder
- Tincture
