In this episode, I’m excited to explore the benefits and properties of California poppy with Benjamin Zappin, one of my first ever herb teachers down at the East West School of Herbology in California.

When might you reach for California poppy (Eschscholzia californica)? Among other things, it’s a wonderful herb to support sleep, relaxation, and emotional quiet. (Know anybody who could use more of those things in their life?) ;)

There’s a lot more to know about this beautiful plant, though, so be sure to listen in to the entire episode for all the details, including a recipe from Benjamin for a California Poppy Tincture. (By the way, don’t miss downloading your beautifully illustrated recipe card!)

Besides celebrating the gifts of the beautiful California poppy, Benjamin also shares a wealth of general herbal advice about dosage and formulation. When I hear “herbal formulation,” in my mind, there’s Benjamin Zappin. So I’m really excited to share this conversation with you.

By the end of this episode, you’ll know:

► Which parts of California poppy are most potent and whether to make medicine with the fresh or dried plant

► How to work with California poppy for sleep, anxiety, and pain relief (including what types of pain or discomfort may be helped by it)

► How to grow California poppy in your own garden so wild stands are left alone

► How to gain an understanding of the building blocks of herbal formulation

► and so much more…

For those of you who don’t already know him, Benjamin Zappin is an herbalist and licensed acupuncturist with over 25 years of clinical experience. He co-founded Five Flavors Herbs with his wife, Ingrid Bauer, to provide their community with exceptional herbal finished products and custom herbal formulas. Benjamin offers integrative herbal consultations through Paeonia Integrative Medicine. In his free time, you’ll find Benjamin cooking and studying music.

I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as much as I enjoyed recording it!


-- RESOURCES --

► Access the transcript and your recipe card for this episode here: www.herbalremediesadvice.org/benefits-of-californi…

► Get Rosalee’s best herbal tips by joining her weekly newsletter: bit.ly/3EtBEqe

► Benjamin’s website: fiveflavorsherbs.com/

► Benjamin’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/fiveflavorsherbs/

► Benjamin’s Facebook: www.facebook.com/fiveflavorsherbs

► Are you looking for high quality dried herbs? My recommendation is Mountain Rose Herbs. Click here to check them out: bit.ly/3ms3vQ2. You can also look for local places to buy herbs near you in my directory here: bit.ly/3NRQq0U


-- DISCLOSURE --

I’m a huge fan of Mountain Rose Herbs and will often share referral links to buy herbs or herbal supplies at their online herbal apothecary.

By using the above affiliate link, you help support this channel. Thanks!


-- TIMESTAMPS --

01:13 - Introduction to Benjamin Zappin

02:17 - Benjamin’s herbal path

05:56 - How Benjamin and Rosalee met

08:19 - Why Benjamin loves California Poppy (Eschscholzia californica)

13:26 - The medicinal benefits of California Poppy

15:48 - California Poppy Tincture recipe

24:12 - Five Flavors Herbs

28:16 - Start with the basics

37:32 - What herbs don’t go together?

40:25 - Formulation from the landscape

43:20 - Creating formulas as a beginner

45:52 - Educational and other offerings at Five Flavors Herbs

54:03 - How herbs surprised Benjamin

1:03:07 - Herbal tidbit


-- DISCLAIMER --

The herbal and plant information in this video is for educational purposes only. The information contained is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other medical professional. If you have or suspect that you have a serious health problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Always consult with a health care practitioner before using any herbal remedy or food, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.