Poppy of California: properties, remedies and contraindications
The California Poppy It is also known by other names such as, Tinker Bell, Golden Thimble, and its flowers are orange or yellow, very pretty. Its scientific name is Eschscholtzia califórnica Cham, which belongs to the family of Papaveraceous, ( Papaveraceae).
It is a medicinal plant, legendary, that comes from California, although nowadays it is widespread in many countries. In Spain we can see it in many areas throughout the peninsula, they are also present in the Canary Islands and the Balearic Islands. In fact, we can see it in the wild or also decorating parks and gardens.
The parts of the California Poppy that are used in medicine are the aerial parts of the plant, which are collected when it is the time of flowering.
We found a series of active principles present in the composition of this wonderful and beautiful plant. Especially flavonoid glycosides, alkaloids and flavonoids stand out.
Benefits of California Poppy
In addition, this plant contains several medicinal properties and the most remarkable among them is the sedative and hypnotic property, it is also antispasmodic and anxiolytic.
The California Poppy is therefore a totally natural sedative that does not produce dependence and no side effects. It combines very well mixed with other medicinal plants that help us relax and sleep better in case of transient insomnia, mixing it with passionflower, hypericum, or valerian.
For his relaxing action It is also ideal to calm down the anxiety, nervousness, irritability and insomnia caused by stress. Also for its soothing and soothing effect is used to calm the itching that produces hives.
Other medicinal properties present in the California Poppy are, analgesic, spasmolytic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal.
If you want to start using California poppy, and we do not have any type of contraindication about it, we can get it in herbalists, parapharmacies, natural products stores and also in pharmacies.
On the other hand, we can find the California poppy in different formats, ideal depending on the use we are going to give it. Thus, we can acquire it as a dry plant to make infusions, or in capsules and drops. There are even sachets combined with other plants.
2 home remedies with California Poppy
The home remedies that are prepared with this medicinal plant are to be used both internally taken in infusion, and to apply them externally.
Infusion of California Poppy to fall asleep
One of the most effective medicinal properties of this plant is to help us fall asleep and relax. To prepare this infusion we will follow these instructions:
Ingredients:
- 4 grams of dried plant.
- One cup of mineral water or 200 ml. From mineral water.
- A teaspoon of honey, stevia, or brown sugar.
preparation:
- We put the water in a heater and when it starts to boil add the dried plant.
- We put out the fire, we cover the infusion.
- Let stand for 10 minutes.
- We fill the infusion, sweeten to taste.
Once it is warm, we can take it. From this infusion we can have a cup for a while before going to sleep. If we wish to take it during the day, we can take 2 or 3 cups a day.
Infusion of California Poppy for external use
This infusion of California Poppy will prepare it to calm the itch that urticaria produces.
Ingredients:
- One cup of water or 200 ml. of water.
- 50 grams of California Poppy.
preparation:
- We put the water in a saucepan to be heated.
- Once it starts to boil add the California Poppy.
- Cover the infusion and let it rest for 10 minutes. We fill the infusion and when it is warm, we moisten a cotton and we pass it gently through the area of the affected skin.
We can apply this remedy 2 or 3 times a day until the itching and discomfort go away.
Contraindications of the California Poppy
Taken in the doses that advise us so much the therapist, pharmacist or doctor this plant does not present adverse effects, neither is toxic, in case of noticing any adverse effect we should consult with the pharmacist or the doctor.
The California Poppy is contraindicated in these cases:
- In case of pregnancy.
- During the period of lactation.
- In case of suffering from glaucoma.
- If we suffer from low blood pressure.
- Heart diseases.
- In children and adolescents under 18 years of age.
- In case of having to use machinery.
- In case you have to drive vehicles.
In these last two cases we have mentioned, it is advisable to take the California Poppy only at night.
The California Poppy may interact with the following medications:
- First generation antihistamines.
- Benzodiazepines.
- Barbiturates
Therefore, if you are consuming drugs or medications containing these active substances it is not recommended to consume California poppy. This article is published for informational purposes only. It can not and should not replace the consultation with a Physician. We advise you to consult your Trusted Doctor. ThemesMedicinal plants
