CALIFORNIA POPPY

Eschscholzia californica, or California poppy, is the official flower of the state of California. It is pictured on welcome signs along highways entering the state. April 6 is celebrated as California Poppy Day. Since ancient times, the Native peoples of North America have been eaten seeds. They also added dry leaves and seeds to a smoking ritual mixture.

California poppy contains a variety of natural compounds including several alkaloids found exclusively in this plant: californidine, eschscholtzine, benzophenanthridine alkaloids, protopine, berberine, allokryptopine. 

The herb is used internally and externally. 

Native American people used California poppy pollen in cosmetology. To make a hair tonic, they prepared seeds in olive oil. This recipe is still used today.