California Poppy

Basic Information

Biological name (genus and species):
Eschoscholtzia californica
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Entire plant, except roots
Chemicals this herb contains:
Coptisine
Sanguinarine

KNOWN EFFECTS

Feeble narcotic actions. Increases perspiration. Depresses central nervous system.

Miscellaneous information:
Does not contain any narcotic derivatives such as morphine or codeine. The poppy plant that has narcotic properties is different from this one.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Is used by drug abusers for sedative or mind-altering effects.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated slightly dangerous, particularly in children, persons over
55 and those who take larger than appropriate quantities for
extended periods of time.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

None expected
Africa Pepper, American Pepper, Red Pepper, Spanish Pepper)
BASIC INFORMATION
Biological name (genus and species):
Capsicum frutescens, Capsicum annum
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Berries/fruits
Chemicals this herb contains:
Apsaicine
Capsacutin
Capsaicin
Capsico

KNOWN EFFECTS

Provides counterirritation when applied to skin overlying an inflamed or irritated joint. No effects are expected on the body, either good or bad, when herb is used in very small amounts to enhance the flavor of food.

Miscellaneous information:
Available in powder form. Available as fresh food. Is used in small amounts as a condiment.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Reduces incidence of clotting in blood vessels (thromboembolism). Relieves toothache. Wards off infections. Settles "upset stomach." Treats intestinal disorders. Is used as external rub or poultice.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future. Have a bleeding problem. Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:
Take this herb for any medical problem that doesn't improve in 2 weeks. There may be safer, more-effective treatments. Take any medicinal drugs or herbs including aspirin, laxatives, cold and cough remedies, antacids, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, supplements, other prescription or non-prescription drugs.

Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. But the chance of problems does exist. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Rated relatively safe when taken in appropriate quantities for
short periods of time.
For symptoms of toxicity, see Adverse Reactions, Side Effects or Overdose Symptoms section below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS