California Poppy Herb, or eschscholzia californica, consists of the parts of the plant that grow above the ground, i.e., the leaves, stems and petals. These bulk herbs (which are really leaves and petals) are then dried and can be used as an infusion (as in tea) or an
A perennial native to the interior valleys of southern Oregon and California and ranging into the deserts of Nevada and Arizona, bulk California Poppy Herb has been used for several thousands of years by the Yokut and Pima Indians for its mildly sedative properties.
While eschscholzia californica is a close relative of the opium poppy of south central Asia and the Middle East, the alkaloid compounds are far weaker; therefore, it would take an exceptionally large dose to produce any effect beyond mild relaxation. Wholesale California Poppy Herb is most often used in combination with other herbs and plant extracts, usually herbs such as
hawthorne,
lavender,
valerian root and
St. John's Wort.
Eschscholzia californica is commonly combined with magnesium salts and
organic bulk herbs such as hawthorne. Eschscholzia californica is among those natural herbs that should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women. Even organic herbs should not be given to young children except under the advice and guidance of a qualified herbalist or naturopathic doctor.
