Passionflower has many uses and comes in many different varieties. The herb is mainly used for supporting anxiety and sleep but has a long list of other applications as well.
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.
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Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
What is Lavender?
Lavender is one of the most famous herbs known to man. It's cultivated on a massive scale throughout Europe and North America and is a popular flavoring and aromatic agent for household products.
Medicinally lavender is best known for its ability to promote sleep. It's often sold as aromatherapy, in salves and creams, and incense for this purpose. Lavender is also great for internal use, where it interacts with the GABA system to produce relaxation and sleep.
Lavender essential oil can be used as a topical agent for insect bites, rashes, and infection.
What is Lavender Used For?
Lavender is mainly used in topical applications for rashes, skin irritations, mild infections, sunburn, and insect bites. Internally it's mainly used for anxiety-related conditions, GIT inflammation and discomfort, and insomnia.
Herb Details: Lavender
Herbal Actions:
- Analgesic (mild)
- Antibacterial
- Anti-cancer
- Anticonvulsant
- Antidepressant
- Antifungal
- Antioxidant
- Anxiolytic
- Antiparasitic
- Carminative
- Nervine Relaxant
- Neuroprotective
- Antispasmodic
Weekly Dose
- (1:2 Liquid Extract)
15–30 mL - View Dosage Chart
Part Used
- Leaves and flowers
Family Name
- Lamiaceae
Distribution
- Mediterranean and Southern Europe
Northern and Eastern Africa
Constituents of Interest
- Monoterpene Alcohols
- Athocyanins
Common Names
- Lavender
- Laventelit (Finland)
- English Lavender
Pregnancy
No adverse reactions expected.
Duration of Use
- This herb is generally regarded as safe for long term use.
Botanical Information
Lavender is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae). In the genus Lavandula, there are approximately 47 species — most of which are perennials, or small shrubs.
There are a number of lavenders used medicinally
Lavandula angustifolia (English Lavender)
Lavandula stoechas (French Lavender)
Lavendula dentata (Spanish Lavender)
This list is disputed by many taxonomists, suggesting that French lavender may be Lavandula stoechas or Lavandula dentata, and that Spanish lavender could be either Lavandula dentata, or Lavandula lanata, or Lavandula dentata.
Clinical Applications Of Lavender:
Lavender is useful topically for female conditions including dysmenorrhoea and PMS due to its antispasmodic and analgesic effects. It's also useful topically for its anti-fungal and antibacterial effects. Internally lavender can be used for gastrointestinal complaints, including bloating, flatulence, and colic.
Lavender is a reliable nervine for its GABAergic activity. Additionally it has been shown to reverse the stimulating effects induced by caffeine, and inhibits acetylcholine release.
Cautions:
Lavender has been proven to be a very safe herb with a low incidence of adverse effects.
Avoid use with pharmaceutical sedatives due to the possibility of agonistic synergy.
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