California Poppy
California poppy is a gentle calming herb traditionally used for sleep support and nervous tension. It is not the same as opium poppy and does not contain opiates, but it can still be sedating for some people. It’s often used in bedtime teas or tincture blends when the mind won’t shut off.
Key Benefits
- Supports falling asleep and sleep quality (supportive)
- Supports calm mood and eases nervous tension
- May support relaxation of muscle tension at bedtime (supportive)
- Useful in blends with lemon balm, chamomile, or passionflower
Common Issues It May Help With
- Occasional insomnia
- Anxiety and tension
- Restlessness
- Stress-related sleep trouble
How To Use (Simple)
- Tea: steep 1–2 tsp dried herb for 10–15 minutes
- drink 30–60 minutes before bed. Tincture: follow label directions. Start low to assess sedation level. Best used at night.
Taste / Notes
Mildly bitter, grassy, slightly floral.
Evidence Level
Traditional use is strong; clinical evidence is limited but supports sedative/anxiolytic potential in some preparations. Most reliable effect is gentle bedtime calming.
Cautions
May cause drowsiness—do not drive or operate machinery after use. Avoid combining with alcohol or sedative medications unless clinician-guided. Avoid during pregnancy/breastfeeding due to limited safety data.
Interactions
Additive sedation with alcohol, benzodiazepines, sleep meds, opioids, sedating antihistamines Use caution with other sedating herbs (kava, valerian) to avoid excessive drowsiness If on psychiatric medications, consult a clinician before routine use
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