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Schwabe News Volume 5 | Issue 7-9 | July – September 2014
Eschscoltzia californica
Eschscoltzia californica is known as Californian poppy. It is an annual plant. It is native of California and Oregon. It has become a widely cultivated garden plant. It is available in India. It contains alkaloids like protopine, cryptopine, chelidonine and flavour glycosides.[1]
Experiments upon animals showed it to act more powerfully than morphine which is contained in the plant. It causes general weakness, torpor, accelerated respiration, slowing circulation and complete paralysis of the limbs (in large doses). It is a soporic remedy which is harmless [2]. In herbal medicine it has been used as a nerve sedative to help induce a peaceful sleep [3,4].
A homoeopathic tincture is made from the whole plant. It is covered by both Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of India and Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of United States.
It is used to relive pain, specially toothache and acts as tranquilliser. Though it is closely related to opium, it has a markedly different effect on central nervous system. It is not a narcotic. In fact rather than disorienting, it has normalisation effect on psychological functions.
It is mildly antispasmodic, sedative and analgesic. In children it has been found to act more powerfully than morphine. It is used in nervous tension and anxiety.[1] Insomnia due to anxiety and worry. It is also used clinically in cases of paralysis.[3]
Recommended dose: 10 drops under medical supervision.
References
P. N. Varma et al., A Compendium of Rare and Clinically Established Mother Tinctures, 4th Edition, Dr. Willmar Schwabe India Pvt. Ltd., A-36, Sector 60, Noida.
W. Boericke, New Manual of Homoeopathic Materia Medica & Repertory [with Relationship of Remedies], Second Re-Augmented & Revised Edition Based on Ninth Edition, Reprint Edition 2002, B. Jain Publishers, New Delhi.
R. Murphy, Homoeopathic Remedy Guide, Lotus Health Institute, Stuart, Virginia, United States.
Ubersicht uber neuere Arzneiplanze.., Allgemeine Homoopathische Zeitung, 1980/5, Von W. Schwabe
Homoeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States, Southeastern, PA, Homoeopathic Pharmacopeia Convention of the United States (available by subscription at http://www.hpus.com/).
