California Poppy

California poppy is an herbal remedy that is claimed to be beneficial for treating several health conditions, such as insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Although it is not exactly clear how California poppy works, it may contain alkaloids, which may work in a similar way as some anxiety and insomnia medications. Before using California poppy, make sure your healthcare provider is aware of any other medicines you are taking (including vitamins and supplements).

 

What Is California Poppy?

California poppy is a flowering plant that is native to the western United States and Mexico. It is used medicinally as an herbal supplement and is claimed to treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, and several other problems. Although related to opium poppy, it is not a narcotic and cannot be used to make opium.
 
(Click Benefits of California Poppy for more information on what California poppy is used for, including additional California poppy uses.)
 

How Does California Poppy Work?

It is not exactly clear how California poppy works. Studies indicate that two particular compounds in California poppy (californine and protopine) may be responsible for the medicinal properties of California poppy. These compounds are known as alkaloids, and they may act somewhat like benzodiazepines, a group of prescription anxiety and insomnia medications, such as Valium® (diazepam). These compounds may help to relieve muscle spasms, anxiety, and insomnia. However, unlike benzodiazepines, they do not seem to have any anti-seizure activity.
 
Although California poppy is sometimes smoked as a substitute for marijuana (it can cause a mild euphoria), it does not seem to be addicting or habit forming.
 

Is California Poppy Effective?

There is not enough evidence to rate the effectiveness of California poppy for any use.
 
(Click Does California Poppy Work? for more information.)
 

California Poppy Dosing Information

There is no standard recommended California poppy dosage.
 
(Click California Poppy Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of California Poppy

There have only been a few side effects reported with California poppy, probably because it has not been sufficiently studied.
 
(Click California Poppy Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With California Poppy

California poppy may interact with several medications (see California Poppy Drug Interactions).
 

Is California Poppy Safe?

Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to California poppy. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking California poppy if you have:
 
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click California Poppy Safety for more information, including any available warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a California Poppy Overdose?

It is not known what exactly to expect from a California poppy overdose. If you think you may have taken too much of it, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click California Poppy Overdose for more information.)
 

California Poppy: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual California poppy product for information on how best to store it. Keep California poppy and all other medications or supplements out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;