Organic California Poppy Loose Leaf Tea

Organic California Poppy Loose Leaf Tea is the aerial parts of California poppy, leaves and flowers together, cultivated organically and carefully dried to preserve its aroma. The cup is velvety, mild and caffeine-free, with a soft, faintly grassy flavor for an easy evening mug. Offered in 4oz, 1lb and 10lb sizes with nothing added.

At a glance

• Aerial parts, leaves and flowers, of Eschscholzia californica, organically grown, nothing added
• Velvety, mild, caffeine-free, with a soft, faintly grassy flavor
• Contains no morphine or codeine
• Alkaloids californidine, escholtzine, protopine and allocryptopine
• Use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of freshly boiled water, steep 5 to 10 minutes; 4oz, 1lb and 10lb

The herb. California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) belongs to the poppy family, Papaveraceae, and grows wild across California and the American Southwest, where Indigenous peoples brewed it as a gentle relaxing tea. Unlike the opium poppy it contains no morphine or codeine; its character comes from isoquinoline alkaloids, chiefly californidine, escholtzine, protopine and allocryptopine, along with flavonoids and carotenoid pigments from the petals.

Dosage and use. Use 1 teaspoon per 8 oz of freshly boiled water, steep 5 to 10 minutes, then strain. Enjoy hot, or chill and serve ice-cold. Try one cup on an evening with nowhere to drive, then adjust; most people keep to one cup at the strength they like. It is mild, so consistency matters more than a stronger steep. Users describe a soft, easygoing calm at gentle tea strength, suited to the wind-down hour, not a heavy sedative or a daytime energizer. For a concentrated format, see our Organic California Poppy Tincture; for a mellow tea with a more bitter edge, our Organic Wild Lettuce Loose Leaf Tea.

Side effects. California poppy is gentle, and the main effect at higher amounts is drowsiness. Occasionally people report mild stomach upset or a dry mouth. If you feel groggy the next morning, brew it weaker or drink it earlier, and if discomfort continues, stop use.

Interactions and cautions. Because it can add to drowsiness, do not combine it with alcohol, sedative medications or other relaxing herbs without guidance, and do not drive until you know how you respond. Not for use if pregnant or nursing. Consult a healthcare professional before use if you take any medication.

Ingredients and storage. 100% Organic California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica). Store sealed away from heat, light and moisture to protect the delicate aroma.

Common questions

• Is California poppy tea a narcotic? No, Eschscholzia californica contains no opiate alkaloids.
• When is the best time to drink California poppy tea? Most people brew it in the evening, since its mellow character suits winding down.

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.