Sleep
California Poppy
Also known as: Eschscholzia californica, Golden poppy
D
Evidence
Mild sedative and anxiolytic herb in the poppy family. Distinct from opium poppy — no opioid alkaloids.
Primary uses
- Sleep onset
- Mild anxiety
- Restlessness
How it works
- Contains californidine and eschscholtzine alkaloids
- GABAergic activity in animal models
- Inhibits enzymatic degradation of catecholamines and serotonin
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-600 mg dried herb, or 0.5-2 ml tincture before bed
- Timing
- 30-60 minutes before sleep
- With food
- Either way
- Duration
- Safe for short-term ongoing use; long-term safety not well studied
- Special populations
- Avoid in pregnancy
Forms
- Tincture
- Capsule (dried aerial parts)
- Tea
Safety
Common side effects
- Drowsiness
- Mild GI upset (rare)
Contraindications
- Pregnancy
- Combination with strong CNS depressants
Evidence notes
Limited human studies. Traditional use for sleep and mild anxiety; mechanism inferred from in vitro work.
Grade D: Primarily pre-clinical or anecdotal; human efficacy not established.
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