Originally from California and the southwestern United States, where it covers vast expanses near sequoia forests, Eschscholzia (aka California Poppy) is a perennial or annual flower depending on the climatic zones.
It is traditionally used by Native Americans to treat headaches and abdominal pain. Its alkaloids are completely non-toxic, and the use of the plant does not cause addiction or habituation, with no side effects, particularly upon awakening in the morning. It has a mild yet potent sedative effect and can be used as a neuromuscular relaxant and effective, safe analgesic.
In phytotherapy, at high doses, poppy helps with sleep during intense stress and provides relief from significant pain, whether it's a headache or a toothache. Its antispasmodic properties promote nerve and muscular relaxation during the night.
With poppy, the main symptoms treated are insomnia, pain, and anxiety. The extract has hypnotic effects without depressive effects on brain functions. In Chinese medicine, it is used to relieve pain, drain Yang, calm the mind, ease anxiety, and promote rest. Some herbalists recommend California poppy for migraines, often combining it with other sedative plants like passionflower, valerian, hawthorn, or hops.
The absence of typical side effects (constipation, "hangover" sensation) induced by certain narcotic medications (hydromorphone) indeed makes this plant an excellent choice for the elderly. Although it is a natural hypnotic, it does not have a depressant effect on the central nervous system.
Poppy, Melatonin, and 5HTP
The significant advantage of California poppy is its global and synergistic action. The entire plant is used, and it acts globally on the central nervous system, unlike melatonin and 5HTP (a plant-based serotonin precursor). The latter two are neurotransmitters that have specific actions on specific aspects of the nervous system.
Melatonin is produced by the pineal gland, but taking it as a supplement interferes with natural production and natural rhythms of the pineal gland. Consequently, the supplement can, over time, interfere with the production of norepinephrine and serotonin, modifying the function and response of the pineal gland and destabilizing the entire endocrine system (hormonal), similar to how taking hormones for the thyroid (e.g., Synthroid) makes the thyroid lazy (there are situations where hormones are necessary). This modification paves the way for various issues related to the superior control structure, including the pineal gland and the pituitary gland, before reaching the thalamic distributor, which redistributes information to lower structures such as the thyroid, pancreas, ovaries or testes, and adrenal glands. Many mechanisms of the pineal gland are still unknown, leaving much to be discovered.
On the other hand, 5HTP is a plant-derived molecule that promotes serotonin synthesis and affects mood (depression, etc.), as well as a portion of the central nervous system. Serotonin imbalance is observed in depression, Parkinson's, and other issues involving psychomotor functions.
Due to the strong interaction between melatonin and serotonin, long-term consumption of melatonin and 5HTP should always be closely monitored.
The use of California poppy promotes overall relaxation of the body and central nervous system:
All these elements promote better falling asleep and improved physical and psychological recovery.
Pavozen, a supplement composed of California poppy, facilitates the onset of sleep (sleep inducer), is mildly analgesic, making it suitable when insomnia is caused by pain (e.g., joint pain). Moreover, it is moderately anxiolytic, which enhances its ability to induce and prolong sleep. The enteric capsule allows the product to pass through the stomach to the small intestine, where the active substance is released.
Rock Berger, Nd, Hd, BAA
Other Holizen products containing California Poppy you might like:
Bazzzics Fall Asleep
Bazzzics Stay Asleep
Please note that this information about our products and their components is provided for general information purposes only, and it is based on the best of our knowledge. It does not in any way suggest a diagnosis or treatment.
