California Poppy is the state flower of California. It contain similar alkaloids than Papaver somniferum, Opium Poppy, that was introduced in the previous post. Escholtzia californica has been used to relieve pain by the native Americans. The leaves of California Poppy are smashed and used to brew a good tasting and relaxing tea.

Extracts made of Escholtzia californica can be smoked and it creates a mildly sedative high. However, the effect is a lot more milder than the one produced by opium.

In the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve there is over 1,7 square kilometers wide area full of poppies. At the blooming season the area is filled with orange color. Look at the image! In California the 6th of April is a designated day for this flower.

Scutellaria lateriflora is called by the names Hoodwort, Madog Skullcap, Helmet Flower, and most often just Skullcap. It is a herb growing native in North America and well known by the Cherokee and other Native American tribes. Nowadays it has been cultivated in other parts of the World, too.

Skullcap has been used a lot in alternative medicine. for example because of its anti-inflammatory and sedative properties. It is used e.g. to treat throat infections, headaches, and to induce sleep.

Scutellaria lateriflora also calms down nervous system and muscles. Pregnant women should avoid using Skullcap, since it can induce a miscarriage.

Humulus lupulus is a vine from the Cannabaceae family. It is also known by the name Hop. Hops are used to flavor food products, especially when brewing beer. Humulus lupulus has a long history of use among the Native Americans.

Hops contains substances asparagin, humulone, lupulone, and lupulin. Asparagin is a diuretic and humulone and lupulone are antibacterial agents. Lupulin has sedative properties and it is also said to have aphrodisiac like properties. Lupulin can be found from the hairs of the fruit.

The flowers of Humulus lupulus can be smoked, but most of the time it is used as an infusion. The hops fruit was used as an medicine for swellings and ulcers.

Lagochilus inebrians, also known as Inebriating Mint, Turkestan Mint or Uzbekistan Mint, is a member of the the mint family Labiatae and can be found growing native from central Asia to Iran and Afghanistan.

The active ingredient of Lagochilus inebrians is called Lagochilin. Lagochilin is known for its medicinal and sedative properties.

Because of these properties Intoxicating Mint has a long history of use as medicine by Tajik, Tartar, Turkoman, and Uzbek tribesman. Also ancient Central Asian tribes used it during feasts and holidays.

Intoxicating Mint is traditionally consumed as a tea. To treat ailments, 10 grams of dried plant material is added to 200 millilitres of boiling water for about 10 minutes.

Although Lagochilus inebrians is very rare herb it can be bought from some botanical shops online.

Rhodiola rosea, also known as Golden Root, has been compared favorably to Ginseng in studies because it has similar effects.

It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine of Russia, Scandinavia, and other countries. It has been traditionally used to increase physical endurance and work productivity, as well as the fight many illnesses and improve overall health.

Some studies have shown Rhodiola rosea may have properties that could be used to help with memory and cognition and disorders such as Parkinson’s.

Golden Root has been found to have stimulating effect on the central nervous system when used in medium or small doses. Larger doses has been found to have more sedative effects. Rhodiola rosea can be bought from specialized online shops.

Brugmansia is also known as Tree Datura, Angels Trumpets, and Maikoa. It is very similar to the Datura but attains heights up to 25 feet that produces long trumpet like flowers. That’s why it is called tree Datura. Traditionally it is used as a medicine and narcotic.

Maikoa has been used since the dawn of time by the aborignial people of the western Amazon area. The plant is considered a source of ritualistic medicines of great healing power. Generally plants containing atropine and scopolamine have been used in other parts of the world over centuries.

This plant is common in cultivation and is very ornamental. One is able to purchase Brugmansia arborea flowers and seeds in quite a many online stores.

Passiflora incarnata, also called Passion Flower, is a beautifull Perrenial with sweet scented flowers and unique flower structure. Passiflora incarnata has been used as a sedative to aid in the treatment of insomnia. In homeopathic medicine Passion Flower was used to treat epilepsy.

The medicinal properties of Passiflora incarnata have a long history of use by native North Americans. The Cherokee are known to be using Passion Flower in many religious ceremonies.

The flowers are highly sought after and considered to be the most potent part of the plant. The dried herb has been valued as an antispasmodic, hypnotic, and sedative.