CALIFORNIA POPPY

Dive into the vibrant world of the California Poppy, affectionately known by its sexy botanical moniker, Eschscholzia Californica! A botanical marvel revered by Native Americans for its stress-relieving prowess and cherished in Western herbal medicine for generations. From its coastal roots in 18th-century West California to its crowning as the state flower in 1980, this vibrant bloom embodies the Golden West's spirit.

With each April 6th marking California Poppy Day and Poppy Week from May 13th to 18th, the festivities never end. But the real magic lies within its aerial parts, bursting with potent alkaloids that soothe the nerves and melt away tension.

Whether you seek relief from anxiety, insomnia, or simply crave tranquility, the California Poppy delivers. It's nature's ultimate chill pill, offering a journey of relaxation and botanical bliss in every petal. So, why settle for ordinary when you can embrace the extraordinary with the California Poppy?

How does California Poppy work?

California Poppy is not just a pretty flower, it's a brain-boosting powerhouse! Packed with natural compounds like alkaloids, it's been shown in trials to calm the mind by slowing down brain chemicals. Say goodbye to racing thoughts and hello to tranquility with this floral miracle!

Recommended dose:

For the best results with California poppy, it's important to consider factors like age and health. While exact dosages aren't well-established, generally, 500 mg to 2g per day of dried powder from different parts of the plant is considered safe. We use 187.5mg at 16:1, which equals 3g, putting us in the beneficial range. It's typically safe for short-term use, but long-term safety isn't well-documented.

Benefits of California Poppy

California poppy is your go-to when you need mental clarity amidst chaos. It helps reduce nervous tension, making relaxation more attainable. Ideal for those who struggle to unwind due to relentless stress, it eases restlessness and agitation, offering a pathway to relaxation and rejuvenation.

Discover the wonders of California poppy! This remarkable herb offers soothing relief for your nervous system, serving as a gentle remedy during stressful times. Herbalists praise its calming effect and its support for overall nervous system health.

To make it easy to identify all the different studies - we will highlight them for you!

We really hope you enjoy our many years of research when formulating Savvy...

Combats Anxiety

Neurophysiological effects of an extract of Eschscholzia californica Cham. (Papaveraceae) [Link]

Double-blind, randomised, 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. [Link]

This study combined magnesium and California poppy and there was a statistically significant benefit to the reduction of anxiety over a 90day period with 264 patients. The above study shows California poppy to be a safe and effective supplement to assisting with anxiety.

Behavioural effects of the American traditional plant Eschscholzia californica: sedative and anxiolytic properties. [Link]

Californica appears have an anxiolytic action.

Modulation of key reactions of the catecholamine metabolism by extracts from Eschscholtzia californica and Corydalis cava. [Link]

Modulatory Effects of Eschscholzia californica Alkaloids on Recombinant GABAA Receptors. [Link]

Anti-anxiety - These alkaloids affect GABA-A receptors in the brain as anti-inflammatory agents, blocking serotonin and noradrenaline transporters, and delivering antidepressant-like effects.

Dave, Pavithra, H, et al. ‘Herbal remedies for anxiety and depression-a review’. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. Volume 9. Issue 8. 2016. pp.1253-1256. [Link]

This research paper evaluated the use of different herbal remedies to treat anxiety and anxiety-related conditions like depression. The paper identified the mechanism of action of California poppy in treating anxiety as following: the compounds of the plant binds with GABA receptors (flumazenil antagonist), causes anxiolysis in animal models, thereby treating anxiety, insomnia and pain.

Chamberland, Guy. ‘Night pain–vital functions (sleep & pain) interact: use of a California poppy agent to improve restorative sleep’. Multibriefs.com. 2014. [Link]

In this study, dose-dependent anxiolytic and sedative effects of California poppy were identified where low doses were effective to produce the anxiolytic effect. This study also highlights research where a 5:1 herb extract of California poppy confirmed the sedative and anxiolytic effects of the herb in mice in two behavioural tests.

The study also found that the poppy can cause dose-dependent side effects such as insomnia, drowsiness and altered dreaming.

Boyle, Neil. Bernard, et al. ‘The effects of magnesium supplementation on subjective anxiety and stress—a systematic review’. Nutrients. Volume 9. Issue 5. 2017. p.429. [Link]

“Positive effects of 12 weeks intake of 75 mg Mg combined with Hawthorn (75 mg) and California poppy (20 mg) extracts vs. placebo in individuals reporting mild anxiety or symptoms of general anxiety disorder. Consistent positive effects on three anxiety outcome measures were reported”

Enhances Sleep

Chamberland, Guy. ‘Night pain–vital functions (sleep & pain) interact: use of a California poppy agent to improve restorative sleep’. Multibriefs.com. 2014. [Link]

This paper reviewed the action of California poppy as a sleep enhancer where it was stated that the intake of it reduces the time to fall asleep and improves sleep quality. Moreover, the paper mentioned that poppy is used to treat nightmares in children.

Lemoine, Patrick, et al. ‘A combination of melatonin, vitamin B6 and medicinal plants in the treatment of mild-to-moderate insomnia: A prospective pilot study’. Complementary therapies in medicine. Volume 45. 2019. pp.104-108. [Link]

In this research study, the administration of Novanuit Triple Action, consisting of melatonin, vitamin B6, California poppy extract, passionfruit extract and lemon balm extract improved sleep quality by the end of 2 weeks. The quantity of California poppy used in this formulation was 8.4 mg.

Fedurco, Milan, et al. ‘Modulatory effects of Eschscholzia californica alkaloids on recombinant GABAA receptors’. Biochemistry research international. Volume 2015. 2015. [Link]

Alkaloids present in California poppy improved sleep latency and duration, found from in vitro studies through targeting GABA-A receptors and serotonin receptors.

Promotes Calmness of the Nervous System

Güneş, Zeynep. ‘The Effects of Nutrition on Sleep and Sleep Complaints amon Academic Press. 2015. Pp. 255-262. [Link]

“California poppy promotes calmness of the nervous system and relaxation”

Acts as Sedative

Fedurco, Milan, et al. ‘Modulatory effects of Eschscholzia californica alkaloids on recombinant GABAA receptors’. Biochemistry research international. Volume 2015. 2015. [Link]

This research paper identified the mechanism through which the California poppy provides sedative effects. It was found that mild sedative and antinociceptive properties of dry aerial parts of the poppy may be assigned due to the binding of morphine (a type of alkaloid) at the μ-opioid receptors. While N-methyllaurotetanine (NMT) was found to be contained in relatively large amounts in the poppy extract, the dose of 10 mg/kg of the compound showed short-term sedative effects.

Romm, Aviva. ‘Menopausal Health’. In: Botanical medicine for Women's health E-book. Elsevier Health Sciences. Chapter 9. 2017.[Link]

“Sedative effects have been demonstrated at higher doses, whereas anxiolytic effects are predominant at lower dose ranges.”

Books

Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. 289; AB Arcanum, Sweden. 1988.

Duke, James A. 1992 Handbook of Phytochemical Constituents of GRAS Herbs and other Economic Plants. Boca Raton, FL CRC Press. Planta Med. 1991 Jun: 57(3): 212-6 Moermon. D. Native American Ethnobotany. Timber Press. Oregon. 1998 – PAGE 141 – 142

Disclaimer

This information in our supplement information is intended only as a general reference for research and is not a replacement for professional health advice.

While California Poppy is natural, with no known side effects, it may interact with certain medications. Please speak with your health care professional prior to consumption. It may also be wise to avoid during pregnancy.