California Poppy Liquid / Extract for Fibromyalgia

When you are living with chronic pain it can be a daily struggle just to get out of bed. Besides the physical discomfort, there is the endless cycle of medication. So when we can we like to highlight some alternative medicines to consider with your physician.

Native to California, The California Poppy is also found along the western coast of the US as far north as Washington state and as far south as Mexico. It’s the California state flower. Does The California Poppy help treat any symptoms of fibromyalgia? Lets examine what The California Poppy does a little further.

Specs, Therapeutic Uses, Benefits & Claims

• Alkaloids like chelirubine, macarpine and sanguinarine are the main active ingredients. The are additional alkaloids in minor concentrations. The California Poppy also contains flavonglycosides.

• The herb’s biggest health benefits are sedative, analgesic and antispasmodic in action.

• Most commonly used for treating  various physical and psychological conditions including insomnia, anxiety and nervous tension.

• The Poppy has also been known to improve intellectual capacity, memory and concentration in the elderly.

• The analgesic and antispasmodic properties of this herb has been for relief of acute nerve and muscular centered pain.

• This herb has been used as a remedy for  high fever, rapid pulse and persistent spasmodic cough.

• Ancient Egyptian doctors would have their patients eat seeds from a poppy to relieve pain. Modern science tells us why this worked: poppy seeds contain both morphine and codeine, excellent pain-relieving drugs that are still used today

California Poppy for Fibromyalgia?

This herb might not be an end all treatment for fibro, however it does seem like it could help relieve many common symptoms of fibromyalgia. Having a hard time sleeping and you are tired (no pun intended) of taking Rx’s to sleep? Maybe a little of the poppy herb could help you rest better! Sore Muscles? Seems like some are seeing pain relief benefits from this herb as well.

What Real Fibro Sufferers are saying!

Goldie Says:

” I picked up some California Poppy form the Vitamin shop. I usually take meloxicam for my pain. I have taken the poppy for the last 2 nights and I have slept wonderfully and have woke up with no pain and just a minimal amt of pain through out the day. So far I am impressed. Two days without meloxicam, I hope it continues. “

LB Says:

” I had a bottle for a while, sitting in my cabinet, thanks to Dr. Oz show when I was not working one day. I was afraid to take a dosage because my friend tried this and got really sleepy and allegedly some belly aches. However, I am waiting for results for some tests for either a pinched nerve or endometriosis, and either way I am MAJORLY in PAIN (lower back) and some leg pain. I couldn’t sleep, etc for weeks, so I just took one dosage only last night in my chamomile tea and was a little groggy this morning, but NO MAJOR PAIN. The pain is now coming back, little by little, but it is not the same sharp pain, but a slow-growing, dull pain on my lower back. But, my anxiety over the pain is subsided and I feel like at least I got some rest (sleep was hard due to pain and anxiety over pain) and my head is very clear now that the grogginess has faded and I have ADD too. I did not think there was any connection with ADD, etc., but before reading this article I was wondering why I was so attentive to my work details this morning, which could really be just a good night’s rest, or maybe something else? Anyway, I have to now report to my doctor that I will be taking this instead of Motrin (which did help some) and Advil (which did not work at all on lower back pain, but is good for my menstrual cramps). Hope this reply helps anyone wanting to try this. I wish everyone success in managing any pains naturally. By the way, I am 36, female, and never had any other muscle-skeletol issues before. I am waiting to see if my pains are nerve-related or endo. Also, I am being monitored by doctor so please be safe about this herb. Good luck, everyone. “

Dr. Oz (Ya, he talked about it too )

On March 22nd, 2012 Dr. Oz discussed prescription drug abuses in the US for weight loss drugs and pain. California Poppy extract was mentioned and discussed by Dr. Oz & his guest, Alternative Medicine Expert Bryce Wylde from Toronto, Canada.

The prescription drugs that the California Poppy seed solution is supposed to help you replace are ones like Oxycodone, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Percocet and Vicodent. Dr. Oz says all the other pain relieving drugs do is mask the symptoms and don’t offer any solutions.

After the alternative medicine expert and Dr. Oz discussed the potential abuses of pain medications they talked about the solution of purchasing California Poppy extract in a dropper form. They suggested that you take 3/4 a teaspoon of the extract before you go to bed. Taking the extract before bed should help you fall to sleep easier and relax as the natural California Poppy solution kicks in.

Dosage and Administration

Available dried or in tincture extract form. Tea diffusion’s using the dried herb can be made.  In tincture or extract form for mild pain and anxiety 15 to 25 drops can be taken three times a day; for severe cases, 30 to 40 drops, two to five times per day.

Possible Side Effects and Interactions of the California Poppy

This plant is considered child safe and based on normal intake levels there are no known side effects from using this herb. The use of the California poppy is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How About You?

Have you tried The California Poppy? Has it worked for you? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below

References: Hoffmann, David: Herbs for a Good Night’s Sleep. New Canaan, Keats Publishing, Inc., 1997. , Mills, Simon & Kerry Bone: The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety. St. Louis, Elsevier 2005. , herbal-supplement-resource.com/california-poppy-herb.html,  Balch, Phyllis A.: Prescription for Herbal Healing. New York, Avery 2002. , z6mag.com/health/california-poppy-extract-touted-by-dr-oz-as-pain-reliever-166763.html,  Kenner, Dan and Yves Requena: Botanical Medicine. A European Professional Perspective. Brookline, Paradigm Publications 1996.