Ah, the scent of spring.

Wildflowers grow in abundance this time of year, and here in Southern Oregon we have many of the golden-hued California Poppies growing alongside motorways, ditches, and in fields. After researching, collecting poppies (even in California) is not as illegal as I once thought, although it must be from a designated wildflower picking area. The best and most sure-fire way to get clean, non-sprayed poppies is to grow them yourself or purchase them from a cultivator (we love organic farms... some of our favorites are listed. down below). 

Poppies are known to aid in sleep, relieve pain, and ease anxiety. Some recipes include chamomile and lavender for an added dose of relaxation benefits, but you can also just make a one-plant tincture. 

These beautiful flowers grow in colors orange to pale yellow, and the flowers, pods, stems, and leaves can all be used for this tincture.

We used Certified Organic Grape, as this lovely tincture will be enjoyed in the evenings and the green/flowery taste is enhanced by the organic grape alcohols slight fruitiness. 

While many recipes call for 120-proof (60% abv) for this, I used a very simple 3:1 ratio (3 parts alcohol to 1 part distilled water) with our 190-proof to get about 142.5-proof which is about 71% abv. It's a little hot, but pulled the beautiful greens of this plant delightfully! 

Like all herbs and tinctures recipes, we recommend you do your research, check for side-effects, and if possible, check in with an experienced herbalist.  

Herbs You Can Add, here are some ideas:

• • • Lavender Flower: improves sleep, may reduce anxiety
      
      
    • Chamomile: reduces inflammation and tummy troubles, has a calming effect
      
      

WHAT YOU'LL NEED

• • • Fresh California Poppy plant (I washed and cut, enough to fill my jar 2/3 the way) 
    • OAC 190-proof alcohol (I used Organic Grape)
    • Distilled or Spring Water 
    • Cheesecloth or stainer
    • Darkly colored bottle for storage
    • 16 oz. Mason Jar (or any size depending on how much plant and alcohol you have on hand!)
      
      

WHAT YOU'LL DO

1. 1. 1. Dilute your 190-Proof alcohol to your desired percentage. For this, I did a 3:1 alcohol to water which got me to about 72.5% abv. Using distilled water or spring water is best! 
      2. Place washed and cut herbs in Mason jar
      3. Pour in diluted alcohol until herbs are covered
      4. Let sit for in a dark place for 6-8 weeks, shaking periodically (check out the beautiful color it starts to pull!) 
      5. Once extracted to your liking, strain out plant matter
      6. Pour into darkly colored droppers and make sure to label! 

Keep these stored in a cool place out of direct light for a longer shelf life! If you are mixing herbs, use fresh if possible! As always, use with caution and check with a medical professional if you have any concerns or pre-existing conditions. 

Where to buy your herbs!

We are thrilled to have so many amazing herbalist use our Certified Organic spirits in their herbal remedies and concoctions. If you are looking to purchase some dried herbs or seeds to plant, check out our recommendations below. 

CRYSTAL ORGANIC FARM

Certified Organic farm located in Georgia (and our May Spotlight). Order online, but be quick... they sell-out fast! 

STRICTLY MEDICINAL SEEDS

More than JUST seeds... they carry plants, herbs, equipment, and books! Strictly Medicinal Seeds is located here in Southern Oregon and is known country-wide for its extraordinary seeds and herbs. 

MOUNTAIN ROSE HERBS

A long-standing go-to for herbalists, Mountain Rose Herbs carries everything you could need for your herbal projects (except the alcohol of course;) 

Not into making your own?

If you are looking to purchase some finely hand-crafted tinctures, check out these below!

RA HERBALS CERTIFIED ORGANIC CALIFORNIA POPPY TINCTURE: Sun God Medicinals

"A certified organic single herb tincture of California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica).California Poppy may help the body relax and protect against overstimulation. Native American tribes from different parts of California used this plant for many medicinal purposes- especially as a relaxing agent to help take an edge off.*"

CALIFORNIA POPPY TINCTURE: Bear Wallow Herbs

"Ingredients: California Poppy roots, leaves, and flowers (Eschscholzia californica), organic cane alcohol, and spring water from Mount Shasta.Take before bed for occasional sleeplessness. Can take 1 dose 1 hour before bed, 2nd dose as getting into bed, and a 3rd dose if you wake up in the night.

California Poppy Tincture works quickly and is an important remedy to have readily on hand. This tincture is included in the Herbal Medicine First Aid Kit as a .5 travel size bottle."

CALIFORNIA POPPY TINCTURE: Herb Pharm

"Traditionally used for calming support for the nervous system.* Recognized in the U.S. Formulary of 1918 as "a powerful herb for calming and supporting sleep."

 Check out this post from Crystal Organic Farm's field of poppies!