Eschscholzia

A herbaceous plant with small bright yellow or yellowish-orange flowers and grey to bluish-green foliage - Fine, alternating pinnate leaves with deep splits – Fruits in long green capsules with tapered edges (shaped like a nightcap) containing tiny seeds.

Latin name

Eschscholzia californica Cham.

Origin

California and the south west of the United States.

Used part

The aerial parts.

Active components

Alkaloids: responsible for the hypnotic, sedative and anxiolytic action.
The use of the plant does not cause any addiction or dependency.

Usage

Due to the presence of numerous Eschscholtzia in California, this plant was adopted as the official state flower. Eschscholtzia flowers abundantly and serves well to fill any gaps in herbaceous borders. Like poppy seeds that are used in certain baked goods, nightcap seeds can also be used in cooking. The plant has long been used by South-Western Native American tribes as a mild anaesthesia for pain and various complaints, such as colic and toothache. It is currently used to promote relaxation and improve the quality of natural sleep. _1-5

Bibliographical references

The health claims that feature on our website in relation to the plants contained in our products are compliant with the list of health claims awaiting final assessment by the Community authorities (cf. website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/). However, they may be subject to modification following their assessment by the national competent authorities.

The health claims relating to other nutrients or substances contained in our products that feature on our site are compliant with Regulation No. 432/2012 of the Commission of 16 May 2012 which establishes a list of authorised health claims authorised in relation to food products, other than those in reference to the reduction of the risk of disease as well as community-based development and child health (cf. website of the European Commission: http://ec.europa.eu/nuhclaims/).