California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

California Poppy Summary

California poppy is a relative of the opium poppy that gives us morphine. This particular member contains a different set of alkaloids with similar, but milder effects.

California Poppy is the official state flower for California but grows throughout the Southern parts of the United States.

Its primary uses — both in modern herbal medicine and traditional herbal medicine — is for treating anxiety, chronic pain, and insomnia. It's one of the most potent herbal sedatives available.

How Is California Poppy Used?

California poppy is used for its sedative and analgesic effects. It contains a set of alkaloids similar to morphine, though not as strong. It can be used both internally for anxiety, insomnia, and chronic pain, as well as topically for skin irritations and ulcers.

Herb Details

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  20-40 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Aerial parts

Family Name

• Papaveraceae

Distribution

• Southern parts of The United States of America

Herbal Actions:

• Analgesic
• Antispasmodic
• Anxiolytic
• Nervine

Constituents of Interest

• Eschscholtzine
• Californidine
• Sanguinarine
• Chelerythrine

Common Names

• California Poppy
• Kaliforniese papawer (Afrikaans)
• Pavot de Californie (France)

CYP450

• CYP3A4
• CYP2C9
• CYP2C19
• CYP2D6
• CYP1A2

Pregnancy

• No adverse effects expected.

Taste

• Bitter

Duration of Use

• May be used long term.

Botanical Information

California poppy is a member of the Papaveraceae family. This family contains roughly 42 genera and about 775 different species. The Eschscholzia genus itself contains about 12 different species.

The species, Eschscholzia californica, is very diverse, as it has been extensively bred commercially and by hobbyists as an ornamental garden flower.

Clinical Applications Of California Poppy

California poppy extract enhances GABA binding and is an opioid receptor agonist. It's been shown to displace fluorazepam from the benzodiazepam receptor. This is likely the main mechanism of action for California Poppy's sedative, and analgesic effects.

Caution

• May possess additive interaction with benzodiazepines.

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated November 2018)

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Chickweed (Stellaria medica)

What is Chickweed?

Chickweed is a small herbaceous plant found growing throughout North America and Europe. It has naturalized on nearly every continent and thrives in colder climates.

Although there is not much modern research involving chickweed, it has a rich history in traditional medicine.

Chickweed was used internally for lung infections and irritations, and topically for skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.

The herb was mainly used as a succas, or consumed whole in fresh form.

How Is Chickweed Used?

Chickweed is used internally for lung conditions, including asthma, chronic bronchitis, or asthma. Topically, it's made into creams and salves for skin irritations. This can include psoriasis, eczema, skin ulcers, or rashes. It's also consumed as a food in many Northern climates where it grows naturally.

Herb Details: Chickweed

Herbal Actions:

• Demulcent
• Refrigerant
• Emollient
• Antibacterial
• Antitussive
• Expectorant

Weekly Dose

• (1:2 Liquid Extract)
  20-40 mL
• View Dosage Chart

Part Used

• Aerial Parts

Family Name

• Caryophyllaceae

Distribution

• Found on every continent on earth except Antarctica

Constituents of Interest

• Carotenoids
• Linalool
• Caryophyllene
• Borneol

Common Names

• Chickweed
• Starweed
• Alsine Media
• Passerina
• Mouse Ear Star
• Satinflower
• Starwort
• Stellaria
• Winterweed

CYP450

• Unknown

Quality

• Cold

Pregnancy

• No adverse effects expected.

Taste

• Unknown

Duration of Use

• May be used long term.

Botanical Information

Chickweed is known for its creeping nature, and ability to grow in very cold weather. It's even been found growing underneath the snow in mountainous regions of North America.

Chickweed is a member of the Caryophyllaceae family, which contains as many as 2625 species distributed into 81 genera.

The Stellaria genera itself contains between 90 and 120 different species.

Clinical Applications Of Chickweed

There is little research on chickweed — however, it was shown to have high levels of carotenoids and a handful of antibacterial compounds like caryophyllene, menthol, and linalool.

Chickweed also contains saponins — which are thought to have a soothing effect on the skin. This is likely the mechanisms behind chickweeds popularity as an ointment for skin inflammation and infection.

For this application, chickweed is generally used as a fresh succas or made into salves, oils, and creams.

The traditional use for lung conditions is thought to be due to the saponin content, which is well known to have mucus membrane irritant effects, promoting the excretion of mucus.

+ Contraindications

• Skin irritation and allergies may occur from topical application.
  

Author:

Justin Cooke, BHSc

The Sunlight Experiment

(Updated November 2018)

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