California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a member of the Papaveraceae family, native to California, Usa, Baja California, Mexico, and Southwest United States. Traditionally, its flowers, leaves, and seeds have been used for decoctions, infusions, and poultices.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, anti-inflammatory, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in native american herbal medicine, european herbal medicine, and mediterranean herbal traditions.

California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	California Poppy
Scientific Name	Eschscholzia californica
Plant Family	Papaveraceae
Genus	Eschscholzia
Species	californica
Native Range	California, Usa, Baja California, Mexico, Southwest United States
Plant Parts Used	Flowers, Leaves, Seeds
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Anti-Inflammatory, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	Native American Herbal Medicine, European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Poultice

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Eschscholzia californica
Common Name: California Poppy
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Eschscholzia, Golden Poppy, Californica Poppy
Plant Family: Papaveraceae
Genus: Eschscholzia

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 30 to 60 centimeters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface darker green, featuring prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: Inflorescence consists of solitary, zygomorphic flowers with orange petals, five stamens, and a superior ovary with two carpels.
Stems: Erect growth habit, opposite branching, glabrous surface, ribbed structure, pith present.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Native American Herbal Medicine
European Herbal Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Poultice
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: Commonly referenced as a mild bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Anti-inflammatory: As described in traditional systems, a soothing anti-inflammatory, in inflammation-focused discussions.
Antispasmodic: In herbal texts, considered a cooling antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Carminative: Historically regarded as a calming carminative, within digestive system contexts.

Active Compounds

Alkaloid: A class of nitrogen-containing compounds produced by many plant species.
Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Coumarin: A group of secondary metabolites present in seeds, roots, and leaves.

Modern Research Overview

This section is reserved for future summaries of scientific research related to this plant. As additional verified sources are reviewed, relevant study information will be added here.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Caution is advised in certain contexts based on traditional use and available information.
Contraindications: Reports outlining specific contraindications for this herb are limited.
Allergies: Reports of allergic reactions to this herb are not well documented in available sources.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: There is insufficient evidence to determine the toxic potential of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Infusions are commonly prepared using hot water to release aromatic and soluble components.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: This method uses direct contact between plant material and the skin.
Tincture: Alcohol is used as a solvent to extract plant constituents over time.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.