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Overview: California poppy is a flowering plant called Eschscholzia californica. The above-ground parts are often used to make teas, tinctures, and capsules. People commonly take California poppy for anxiety and sleep problems, but the benefits for these uses are not well defined. A possible side effect of California poppy is drowsiness. Before taking California poppy, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.

Uses

What is California poppy used for?

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) has a long history of traditional use as a calming remedy. It is commonly used for the following reasons, although evidence in humans is limited.

Note: The FDA has not reviewed California poppy for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does California poppy work (mechanism of action)?

California poppy comes from a flowering plant called Eschscholzia californica (or Eschscholtzia californica). It is in the poppy family and grows in the western part of North America. The above-ground parts of the plant are used to make supplements. Common products include teas, tinctures (liquid extracts), capsules, and tablets. California poppy is often sold in products that combine it with other herbs.

California poppy naturally contains chemicals called alkaloids, including californidine, eschscholtzine, and protopine. Researchers think that these alkaloids may affect certain brain chemicals that affect calmness and sleep, which is similar to how some prescription medicines work. In animal studies, an extract of California poppy had a calming (sedative) effect at higher doses and an anxiety-reducing effect at lower doses. However, this has not been well studied in people. In addition, most of the human research of California poppy for anxiety and nervousness used a product that combined it with hawthorn and magnesium, so the effect of California poppy on its own is not clear.

Even though it is called a poppy, California poppy is not the same plant as the opium poppy. California poppy is not known to contain morphine or codeine.

The benefits of California poppy are not well defined. Most of what is known comes from traditional use and laboratory or animal research. Evidence in humans is limited.

Herbal products, such as California poppy, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific California poppy product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store California poppy?

You should store California poppy according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of California poppy?

The most common side effects of California poppy are drowsiness or sleepiness. It has not been well studied, so its full list of side effects is not known. Side effects may vary depending on the dose you are taking or the specific product you are using. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of California poppy that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of California poppy?

While less common, the most serious side effects of California poppy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. California poppy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking California poppy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use California poppy?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take California poppy.

  • California golden poppy
  • California poppy
  • Eschscholzia californica
  • Eschscholtzia californica
  • Golden poppy
  • Poppy seeds
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific California poppy products they stock.

What should I know about California poppy before using it?

California poppy is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

California poppy is available in many forms. Common forms include teas, tinctures (liquid extracts), capsules, and tablets. It is often sold in products that combine it with other herbs. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

California poppy may affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how California poppy affects you.

Keep California poppy out of the reach of children.

California poppy is not the same as opium poppy. California poppy is not expected to cause a positive opiate result on a urine drug test the way opium poppy can.

Herbal products, such as California poppy, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific California poppy product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way that the plant was processed after it was harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

The FDA has not tested California poppy products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using California poppy?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Anxiety or Sleep Problems. Anxiety and sleep problems can be signs of a health condition that needs care. Talk to your health care provider if you have symptoms that are severe or do not go away.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking California poppy, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how California poppy could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Because there is not enough safety information, experts generally advise against using California poppy during pregnancy. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if California poppy passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does California poppy interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between California poppy and foods or nonalcoholic drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect California poppy, but combining them may increase the risk of sleepiness. Note that liquid extracts and tinctures usually have alcohol in them.

Does California poppy interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using so they can watch for any potential interactions.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, or medicines for anxiety before taking California poppy.

Laboratory studies suggest California poppy may affect the way your body processes certain medicines. This has not been confirmed in human drug interaction studies.

The interactions between California poppy and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with California poppy is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking California poppy with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much California poppy?

If you or someone else has used too much California poppy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

California poppy is commonly available as teas, tinctures (liquid extracts), capsules, and tablets. Read the product label closely, and speak with a health care provider about how to use California poppy safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.