Part Used: Dried aerial parts.

Constituents: Alkaloids; flavone glycosides.

Actions: Nervine, hypnotic, anti-spasmodic, anodyne.

Indications : Californian Poppy has the reputation of being a non-addictive alternative to the Opium Poppy, though it is less powerful. It has been used as a sedative and hypnotic for children, where there is over-excitability and sleeplessness. It can be used wherever an anti-spasmodic remedy is required.

Preparations & Dosage: Infusion: pour a cup of boiling water onto l-2 teaspoonfuls of the dried herb and leave to infuse for l0 minutes. A cup should be drunk at night to promote restful sleep. Tincture: take l-4 ml of the tincture at night.