Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) has a long tradition of use in herbal medicine, particularly among Native American populations and later in European herbal traditions, as a mild sedative and sleep aid. In modern times, its use for supporting or treating insomnia has been investigated in several preclinical and some small clinical studies. The plant contains several alkaloids, such as protopine and allocryptopine, which are believed to interact with the central nervous system, possibly by modulating GABAergic activity, leading to mild sedative and anxiolytic effects.

A few clinical trials have evaluated preparations containing California poppy, often in combination with other herbs like valerian. These studies suggest some mild improvement in sleep quality and latency compared to placebo, but they are generally small, short-term, and sometimes lack rigorous controls. For example, a 2019 randomized placebo-controlled trial found a combination of California poppy and valerian improved sleep onset and quality in people with mild insomnia. However, there are very few studies on California poppy as a standalone treatment, and systematic reviews typically conclude that while the herb appears safe and shows promise, the evidence is still insufficient for strong recommendations.

Overall, the use of California poppy for insomnia is justified by a combination of traditional use and emerging, though limited, scientific evidence. More high-quality, large-scale clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and define its role in treating insomnia.

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Products containing California poppy

Metagenics Tran-Q® Sleep
Designs For Health TriMag Supreme™ Night Powder