HerbilousOpen the interactive guideHERB PROFILE · EDUCATIONAL REFERENCE
Californian Poppy
Important safety information: May cause drowsiness. Do not combine with alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, sleeping tablets or other sedatives without professional advice, and do not drive after use. Current EMA traditional use is for adults only; seek advice if stress or sleep symptoms persist beyond two weeks. Avoid pregnancy, breastfeeding and use in children without qualified guidance.
Herbal actions
- Anxiolytic
- Mild sedative
- Analgesic
- Hypnotic
- Antispasmodic
- Muscle relaxant (experimental)
- Antidepressant (traditional / preclinical rationale)
Traditional and practitioner uses
These uses are presented for historical and educational context. They are not treatment claims.
- Anxiety and mild nervous tension
- Disturbed sleep and difficulty falling asleep
- Traditional support for neuralgia, migraine and painful or spasmodic conditions
- Traditional support for nervous bowel, depression and stress
- Stress-related muscular tension
Main constituents
Isoquinoline alkaloids (californidine, escholtzine), flavonoids
Preparation overview
Tea: Covered infusion. Steep covered; evening use is usually most appropriate.
Liquid extract reference: 1:2 liquid extract: 3–6 mL/day (20–40 mL/week)
Preparation strengths are not interchangeable. Open the interactive guide for the complete evidence notes and sources available for this herb.
Herbilous provides educational information only. It does not diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. Seek urgent care for severe or worsening symptoms.