California Poppy Extract Resin

California Poppy Extract Resin is a concentrated resinous extract made from the loose leaf tea of Eschscholzia californica, using the plant's aerial parts. It condenses the mellow, evening character of a poppy tea into a dark, sticky resin that dissolves in warm water or sits under the tongue. Offered in 1g, 2g and 5g jars.

At a glance

• Concentrated whole-plant resin from the aerial parts of Eschscholzia californica
• Rich in protopine and allocryptopine, with californidine and eschscholtzine
• Carries no morphine or codeine, unlike the opium poppy
• Dissolves in warm water or sits under the tongue, onset within half an hour to an hour
• An evening wind-down herb, not daytime or social
• Offered in 1g, 2g and 5g jars

The herb. California poppy is an annual in the Papaveraceae family, native to the western United States and northern Mexico and the state flower of California. Native Californian peoples used the plant for generations, and Western herbalists adopted it in the late 1800s. Unlike its cousin the opium poppy, it carries no morphine or codeine; its alkaloids are a gentler group entirely.

Active content. California Poppy resin is sold as a whole-plant concentrate rather than a standardized percentage, which is why no alkaloid figure appears on the label. The resin is rich in protopine and allocryptopine, along with californidine and eschscholtzine, the isoquinoline alkaloids characteristic of this plant. Protopine is the one most associated with the herb's relaxed, quieting feel, and together they make a resin users describe as soft and settling rather than heavy.

Dosage, first time. The copy states no serving, so start with a tiny amount, about the size of a grain of rice, dissolved in warm water or held under the tongue. Onset is usually within half an hour to an hour. Wait two hours before considering more, on an evening with nothing planned.

Regular use. Once you know your response, keep the amount that works and use it in the evening. Resin is easy to over-portion, so measure against your first serving rather than scaling up.

What to expect. Users describe a calm, easygoing wind-down and a softening of the day's edges. It suits the last hour before bed and quiet evenings at home, and it is not a daytime or social herb. For the gentler brew, see our Organic California Poppy Loose Leaf Tea.

Side effects. Drowsiness is the main one and is expected at larger amounts; some notice grogginess the next morning if they took too much. Reduce the amount and take it earlier in the evening. Stop if discomfort continues.

Interactions and cautions.

• Do not combine with alcohol, sedative medications or other calming herbs without guidance
• Do not drive or operate machinery after use
• Not for use if pregnant or nursing
• Consult a professional before use if you take any medication

Ingredients and storage. California poppy extract resin (Eschscholzia californica, aerial parts). Keep tightly sealed in a cool, dark place; a few seconds of warmth in the hand softens it for portioning.

Common questions

• Is California Poppy Extract Resin stronger than the loose leaf tea? Yes, the resin is a concentrate, so a rice-grain amount stands in for a whole cup of brewed tea.
• How do I take California poppy resin? Dissolve it in warm water or honey, or hold it under the tongue.
• Will California poppy resin make me sleepy during the day? At evening-sized amounts it is relaxing, so it is best kept for the end of the day.

Disclaimer. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. California poppy is a traditional botanical, and traditional use does not establish that it will produce any particular result. Consult your healthcare provider before use if you take any medication or have a medical condition. Use at your own risk and keep out of reach of children. Formulated by Healing Herbals, run by a practicing herbalist of 13+ years.