Escolzia: plant with great benefits and therapeutic properties but to be avoided during pregnancy and for childrenPhytotherapy is a very ancient form of medicine that uses medicinal plants for health purposes. The activity it performs is similar to that of conventional medicine because it acts on the basis of the active ingredients contained, but it departs from it because, while conventional medicine isolates an active principle and “potentizes” it, in phytotherapy it is the totality of the components that perform action and modulate it, reducing side effects. In any case, phytotherapy has a “chemical” action which makes medical advice useful also in view of the possible interaction with any medications taken.
The medicinal plants that offer help in the event of anxiety, stress or insomnia are numerous, I have previously written about passion flower and lemon balm, now we analyze the scope of action of the scion.
Escolzia Eschscholzia Cham. is a genus of the Papaveraceae. Escolzia is known as “California poppy”, in fact it is typical of the area and is not present in Europe, except as an ornamental plant. The flowers, yellow-orange, are very similar to the common poppy and the fruits are blue-green capsules. American Indians used it for abdominal colic and toothache.
The escolzia is mainly rich in alkaloids, protopina, sanguinaria, berberine, chelidonia, small amounts of morphine, to which is attributed its relaxing effect , carotenoids, phytosterols and flavonoids.
Escolzia therapeutic and beneficial indications
In case of restlessness, excitability, difficulty concentrating, lack of attention and irritability. The alkaloids of the plant, in particular the protopine which is an active ingredient also exploited in pharmacology, have a calming effect on the central nervous system. In case of migraine when they are of emotional or tension origin.
Reduces spasms and pains in the digestive and intestinal tract. In the case of insomnia, the excitement in addition to calming anxiety and nervousness, also has a hypnotic effect that promotes sleep, with awakening without numbness as in sleeping pills. Remember also that going to bed with a stomach that is too full or empty does not promote sleep and certain foods make it easier.
Escolzia mother use dye and applications
The most common forms of use are the herbal tea and the mother tincture of escolzia, but the dry extract, in tablets, obtained by evaporation of the mother tincture, is also found in herbalist’s shops. The herbal tea is obtained by pouring 1 teaspoon of plant in 150 ml of boiling water, cover, let stand for 10 minutes, strain and drink before going to sleep.
Attention to those who must drive the car because the plant can induce drowsiness. Use should be preceded by a medical consultation. It is not recommended for children, people who are hypersensitive to components, during pregnancy and breastfeeding. To be avoided for those suffering from bradycardia or hypotension, for those taking psychiatric drugs or antihistamines because it could enhance their effects.
