Tea to End Anxiety - California Poppy

In a world characterised by constant stress and anxiety, the search for natural remedies to alleviate these burdens is more important than ever. Californian poppy tea, derived from the vibrant orange flowers of Eschscholzia californica, has gained popularity as a soothing and anxiety-reducing herbal infusion. While it may not be as well-known as its opiate relative, the opium poppy, Californian poppy offers a host of benefits for those seeking a natural way to manage anxiety. In this article, we will explore the calming properties and benefits of Californian poppy tea in helping individuals find peace and tranquillity amidst life's daily challenges.

Anxiety is such a complex topic because everyone’s experience with anxiety can and will be different, based on our very own unique perception of what anxiety is and how it feels in our body. But perhaps we can all agree that no matter what our perception, anxiety feels displaced, and unsettling in our body and mind. It feels uncomfortable, and more often than not we battle with ourselves for freedom from the accompanying feelings and thoughts that it ignites inside of us. As Dr Joe Dispenza says, fear and anxiety are “altered states”, not our normal state of being. This article is not intended to give you a miracle cure; that will never come from an outside source, but merely an aid, and a very lovely aid at that I have found in this lovely Californian Poppy tea. It simply acts to clear some of the clouds of anxiety, to lessen its grip on our heart and our mind meaning we can have a little more clarity than we did before our brew.

The Science Behind Californian Poppy

A bit of Science for those of us who need a little logic (myself included) to back up these theories – Californian poppy, also known as California poppy, golden poppy, or simply "the poppy," is a native wildflower of Mexico and Western United States (California), but its popularity has spread far beyond its native region due to its numerous medicinal properties. The plant contains alkaloids, primarily berberine and protopine, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. Our central nervous system distribute gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA), which the compounds in California Poppy, such as the alkaloids, can act on our GABA receptors having mild sedative effects.

The California poppy is not a significant source of nutrients or calories. It is primarily valued for its potential therapeutic effects, such as promoting relaxation and sleep. The plant contains alkaloids, including protopine and allocryptopine, which are believed to be responsible for its mild sedative properties.Indigenous cultures have used it for medicinal purposes, primarily for its mild sedative and analgesic properties. However, it is important to note that its nutritional content is not typically documented in the same way as edible plants. So as Tom say's "there is so much undiscovered things about these plant medicines" and until there is real research on them we can't say much. But again Tom says "We are the researchers" we're not funded, there's no goal except to feel good and help others. So lets share all this. Best to find us on Instagram these days.

When brewed into tea, Californian poppy offers several potential benefits for anxiety relief:

Natural Anxiety Reduction
One of the primary reasons individuals turn to Californian poppy tea is its ability to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. The berberine and protopine alkaloids present in the plant interact with neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), promoting a calming effect. This makes Californian poppy tea a valuable tool for managing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder and everyday stress.

Sleep Aid
Anxiety often disrupts sleep patterns, leaving individuals feeling fatigued and irritable. Californian poppy tea can act as a natural sleep aid, helping people fall asleep faster and enjoy deeper, more restful sleep. The soothing properties of the tea can alleviate racing thoughts, making it easier to unwind and prepare for a good night's sleep.

Non-Addictive Alternative
Unlike some prescription medications used to treat anxiety, Californian poppy tea is non-addictive and does not carry the same risk of dependency or withdrawal symptoms. This makes it an attractive option for those seeking long-term anxiety management without the potential pitfalls associated with certain medications.

Pain Management
Anxiety and chronic pain often go hand-in-hand, as one can exacerbate the other. Californian poppy tea's analgesic properties can provide relief from both physical and emotional discomfort, making it a versatile choice for individuals dealing with multiple symptoms simultaneously.

Mild Sedation
While Californian poppy tea offers relaxation, it typically does not induce excessive drowsiness or cognitive impairment. This makes it suitable for daytime use when needed, allowing individuals to remain alert and functional while reducing their anxiety levels.

How to Prepare Californian Poppy Tea

Preparing Californian poppy tea is a straightforward process:

• Dried Californian Poppy flowers or leaves
• Hot water
• A teapot or tea infuser

Instructions:

• Boil water and let it cool slightly (around 190-200°F or 88-93°C).
• Place the dried Californian poppy flowers or leaves into a teapot or tea infuser.
• Pour the hot water over the herbs.
• Allow the tea to steep for 5-10 minutes, depending on your desired strength.
• Remove the herbs or strain the tea if using loose leaves, or drink with the herbs as they are, completely your choice. Add a little Honey, Syrup or perhaps get a little creative and add some of our Desert Lime Syrup (that’s delicious!) and you'll have the best hot drink around.
• Enjoy your soothing Californian Poppy Tea.

Dive into the Big Sur Moon with Caution

While Californian Poppy tea offers numerous benefits for anxiety relief, it's essential to exercise caution and be aware of potential side effects. Here are some important considerations:

Amount: Stick to recommended serving and avoid excessive consumption, as high doses may lead to dizziness, nausea, or other adverse effects.

Research: If you have preexisting medical conditions or are taking medications, just remember to always do your own research before incorporating Californian poppy tea into your routine.

Pregnancy and Nursing: Pregnant and nursing women should avoid Californian poppy tea, as its safety during these periods has not been established.

Driving and Operating Machinery: Due to its potential mild sedative effects, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery immediately after consuming Californian poppy tea. Normal function however should not be heavily impaired so use your own judgement of how it feels in your body before jumping into cars and operating machinery.

The effects of anxiety can be pervasive; the calming effects of Californian poppy tea offer a natural and non-addictive solution for those seeking relief. While it should not replace professional medical advice or treatment, this herbal infusion can complement a holistic approach to managing anxiety. By incorporating Californian poppy tea into a balanced lifestyle, individuals may find themselves better equipped to face life's challenges with a sense of tranquillity and calm. We sell a lovely herbal infusion, it’s a great place to start so why not give it a go.