Health Benefits of Eschscholzia

Scientific name:  Eschscholzia
Other names: California poppy, golden poppy, California sunlight, cup of gold, Amapola de California, Eschscholzia californica, Yellow Poppy
Part used: Leaves, flower, seeds

Origins & Properties

The genus was named after the Baltic German/Imperial Russian botanist Johann Friedrich von Eschscholtz. All species are native to Mexico or the southern United States.

It is a perennial or annual plant growing to 5–60 inches tall with alternately branching glaucous blue-green foliage. The leaves are alternately divided into round, lobed segments. The flowers are solitary on long stems, silky-textured, with four petals, long and broad; flower color ranges through yellow, orange, and red with some pinks.

Common Uses

California poppy leaves are used as food or garnish, while the seeds are used in cooking. It is a bitter sedative herb that acts as a diuretic, relieves pain, relaxes spasms, and promotes perspiration.

Benefits

• Improves sleep: Natural sleep inducer and helps fight insomnia
• Sedative effects: Relieves anxiety or tension during high levels of stress
• Helps with ADHD: Good anti-anxiety remedy for children
• Boosts cognitive function: Improve intellectual capacity and memory

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