The orange California poppy is a true narcotic

The brilliant-orange California poppy is not just pretty. It is also medicinal, says Fiann Ó Nualláin

The bright-orange California poppy has huge pharmacological benefits — it helps people deal with opioid withdrawal symptoms and PTSD. And it’s also a true narcotic, in that it promotes sleep and has antispasmodic and muscle-relaxant properties.

I am a fan of the California poppy (Eschscholzia californica). It looks brilliant, is no fuss to grow, is drought-tolerant, pest- and disease-free and it’s a medicinal herb par excellence.

It’s analgesic, antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, bitter, diaphoretic, diuretic, hypnotic, a nervous system relaxant, a sedative and vulnerary, (healing of wounds).