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California poppy

California poppy, also known as the golden poppy, is a plant whose parts growing above the ground are used as medicine. California poppy is used for sleep problems, pain, nervous agitation, bedwetting in children and diseases of the bladder and liver. California poppy is also used to promote relaxation. In combination with other medicinal plants, California poppy is used for depression, long-term mental and physical fatigue, nerve pain, various psychiatric disorders, problems with blood vessels and weather sensitivity, as well as for calming. A herbal mixture containing Californian poppy is also used for sleep and mood problems caused by foehn.

How does Californian poppy work?

California poppy contains chemicals that can induce relaxation and drowsiness.

How effective is California poppy?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of California poppy for anxiety. New research suggests that California poppy, in combination with magnesium and hawthorn, may help in the treatment of mild to moderate anxiety disorders. There is also a lack of scientific information regarding the effectiveness of California poppy for pain, insomnia, bedwetting, bladder disorders and liver disorders. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of California poppy for these conditions.

Safety and side effects

California poppy appears to be safe and harmless for most people when taken orally in appropriate doses for up to three months. However, it is not known whether California poppy is safe and safe for long-term use.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of California poppy seed during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised to avoid California poppy seeds.

Surgeries: California poppy seeds can slow down the functioning of the central nervous system, which can lead to drowsiness. There are concerns that California poppy may slow down nervous system function too much when combined with anesthetics and other medications used during and after surgery. For this reason, you should stop taking Californian poppy at least 2 weeks before an operation.

Interactions

Care should be taken when using Californian poppy in combination with the following medications:

Sedatives (benzodiazepines and CNS suppressing drugs) California poppy* may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Drugs that cause drowsiness and dizziness are called sedatives. Taking California poppy in combination with sedatives could cause excessive drowsiness.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of California poppy depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for California poppy. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Hanus M, Lafon J, Mathieu M. Double-blind, randomized, 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;20:63-71.
  2. Paul LD, Maurer HH. Studies on the metabolism and toxicological detection of the Eschscholtzia californica alkaloids californine and protopine in urine using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2003;789:43-57.
  3. Paul LD, Springer D, Staack RF, et al. Cytochrome P450 isoenzymes involved in rat liver microsomal metabolism of californine and protopine. Eur J Pharmacol 2004;485:69-79.
  4. Rolland A, Fleurentin J, Lanhers MC, et al. Behavioral effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties. Planta Med 1991;57:212-6.
  5. Rolland A, Fleurentin J, Lanhers MC, et al. Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae). Phytother Res 2001;15:377-81.