CALIFORNIA POPPY SEEDS

Eschscholzia californica

Is this a medicinal? This most ubiquitous orange wildflower does contain isoquinoline alkaloids and other useful compounds unique to the species, including californidine and eschscholzine. In much of Europe preparations are considered mildly sedative, anxiolytic and analgesic, and are commonly used to treat “restlessness" in children.

Traditionally the flower petals of this species were strewn beneath the beds of children to help them sleep, poultice of the fresh roots and seedpods were applied the breasts of mothers wanting to dry their milk, and bits of fresh root were tucked into cavities to relieve toothache. There is little if any evidence to suggest that Native Americans used this species internally, save for perhaps as cooked greens when little else was available. But no matter, because these are beautiful plants that are very easy to grow, and if it suits you to make medicine from them, go for it. These seeds are from plants selected in Europe for medicinal use.

Scatter into loose garden soil in spring and water. Thin to 3" or so. Blooms for a very short time where summers are hot. Petals stay closed on cloudy days, which is very charming indeed.

Packet contains 1000 seeds.