Ever wondered why the California Poppy is revered by many? Or can you take a guess why florists beyond the borders of its native habitats, California and Mexico, buzz out recommendations on a need to cultivate it in your garden? Then you should read this article. It has got many answers to your questions, as we will be doing a quick study of California Poppy. Are you ready for this? Then let`s go!
Finding Out
The story of this plant takes us back to the late 19th century when it was first recognized and later legalized as a state symbol, the state we now know as California. Apparently, its colorful flowers provided an emblem of exquisiteness and appeal to the then California populace and its visiting personas (which still persist until now). Elsewhere, you can come across it along the western and northern coast of the United States. And as mentioned earlier, the plant is also native to Mexico. Other parts of the world where it has also been discovered include southern France, Australia, and Chile. So, different designations abound; Cup of Gold, California Sunlight, Golden Cup, Flame Flower and Golden Poppy (which I fancy the most). And with these different locations come varieties and subspecies of Golden Poppy which include California Mexicana, Californica Crocea, etc. Botanically, it affiliates with the Papaveraceae family and is labeled as “Eschscholziacalifornica”.
In one of the many depictions of the plant, its flower is said to usually blossom as golden orange, hence the common name “Golden Poppy”. “The receptacle has an expanded rim that holds the young bud with two sepals until it blooms. The stem of the flower grows to approximately 5 to 20 inches tall, with colored leaves sprouting from its base. In addition, the plant is fertile with numerous dark-colored seeds held in the center of the flower within slender, ribbed, single-celled seed capsules”. {1}More so, it is a perennial crop and quite indifferent to cold or cloudy climate. Eventually, it perishes in very harsh climates though it survives in temperate conditions.
What’s New?
I must confess to you, dear reader, California Poppy may just be my favorite herbal plant. The thought of it lights a beacon of happiness in my heart and I am sure you may just feel the same way. I seem to be all excited about this plant? Well, for some, their charming appearances don’t match up with the expectations of nourishment and a nutritional value placed on them; they are decoys that turn out to be hazardous, but the circumstances differ for the “Golden Poppy”.Environmental beautification is just a plus point to the health benefits that it puts forward. Significantly, the variety of positive outcomes recorded over the centuries has propelled the plant to greater peaks of value and precedence among its equals. The fact that it is quite abundant in healthy minerals such as magnesium, calcium and vitamins A, C, and E make my case. Still, let’s establish the advantages of this plant so we know how much of a big deal it is.
What Are its Benefits?
It`s Sedative
Mostly, the herb is considered effective as a sedative to remedy anxiety, stress, depression and hypertension, colic and panic attacks. From early research, it has been determined that the combination of California Poppy with other herbs provides more than a match to alleviate the highlighted conditions. Moreover, the properties of protopine and allocryptopine which it possesses aid in disallowing the movement of serotonin, a principal stimulant of these ailments.
It would be humanly fair of me to also let you in on a big secret; the plant comes handy in treating behavioral disorders such as OCD, Bipolar disorder, Alzheimer’s disease, ADD, and ADHD.
It Aids the Memory
California Poppy has the ability to improving our memory and focus, and this is a way of boosting one’s intellectual capacity.
It ensures Relaxation and Good Sleep
Moreso, some mothers find its seed efficient in inducing sleep for their kids so they don’t force them to bed, especially troubled kids with insomnia and other sleep problems. And of course, it works for adults living with such conditions.
It Relieves Pain
You may know people or friends living with the agony of pain; the herb can provide help in relieving their discomfort. Hence, muscle spasms, toothache and neurological pains like a headache, neuralgia, sciatica, migraine and back pains can be tackled with the herb. To prove this, scientific research has revealed that there are two specific alkaloids that are responsible for the medicinal properties in California Poppy. Furthermore, these alkaloids are said to, probably, function like a group of anxiety and insomnia prescriptions called “benzodiazepines”. {2}
Traditionally, the herb supplement has been used for a variety of uses. Exemplary is the efficacy it has in cosmetic affairs as a way of concealing skin blemishes. Besides, others indulge an old and existing practice of cooking the seeds in olive oil, all for the sake of producing a hair tonic so their hair can grow thicker and shine brighter. In addition, oil is derived from the seed to what is known as Poppy Oil, for cooking, making soaps amongst other uses.
Other benefits associated with this herb are
- It is curative in cases of high fever, rapid pulse, and spasmodic cough.
- When mixed with coconut oil, the mashed leaves of California Poppy are effective in the annihilation of head lice.
- The herb is reliable in the treatment of flesh wounds.
- The risk of infections especially for skin sores and injuries are reduced with the application of California Poppy (as ingredients in ornaments and cream)
- Mothers find it resourceful in preventing their kids from bedwetting
- According to a study, it may also be valuable in cancer treatment
- It is also believed to be principal in the treatment of diseases related to the bladder and liver.
- California Poppy also provides relief from blood pressure
Are There Side Effects?
Yes, there are side effects. One of such is in relation to its powerful sedation expertise. As a sedative, it has the power to slow down the nervous system, thereby leading to excessive sleepiness among other effects. This occurs, most especially, when consumed with other sleeping medications. More so, it may cause drowsiness and hangovers, thus driving and operating machinery should be avoided when taking in high dosages. Although any other adverse effect is yet to be reported, still any desire to slot it into your medical supplement must pass through the verification and recommendation of a physician or doctor. Correspondingly, it has been deemed that more research needs to be carried out in order to find out, determine and provide adequate conclusions on the plant. {3}
What else? Most herbs, until there is more information on its side effects, pregnant women and nursing mothers should avoid them.
Final Words…
California Poppy, you must have seen, is a dependable alternative to prescription medicine. Truly, it works wonders. It should just be used in moderation. California Poppy is a beautiful, healthy and expedient plant. The herb can be found and consumed in different forms of tea, cream, tincture and even capsule. They can be purchased at health food stores around you. So get down to some healthy shopping business already. Our final take is that in complement to just planting it in your gardens to patronize your environment, make the herb a healthy supplement for your body.
References
[1] www.theherbalresource.com
[2] www.insomnia.emedtv.com
[3] www.bodynutrition.org
