Are you muddling through chronic pain? Look no further than the beautiful orange-flowered plant, California poppy. Besides being the official state flower of California since 1903, it was traditionally used as food and medicine for hundreds of years by indigenous peoples. The orange flowers, which are slightly sweet and rich in carotenoids, were eaten like candy, and the young leaves were boiled and eaten as a vegetable. Nowadays, it is revered for being an excellent herb for easing pain, and is especially useful for those who have difficulty sleeping due to aches and pains. Basic science shows that the herb acts on GABA receptors in the brain, similar to a benzodiazepine without the habit-forming tendency of the drug, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a safe way to ease anxiety, pain, and insomnia.

by Karyn Bender | Dec 23, 2015 | Facebook