Escolzia mother tincture: preparation, properties and use

The mother tincture of escolzia is known for its sedative and sleepy action, useful in case of insomnia and nervous tension. Let's find out better.

Properties of the mother tincture of escolzia

The aerial parts of the Eschscholtzia californica contain alkaloids (0.5%), phytosterols, carotenoids and flavonoids which give the plant sedative and hypno-inducing properties (which promote sleep). In particular, the alkaloids (berberine, protopina, criptopina, chelidonina, sanguinarina) act on the heart and nervous system with a calming effect; they perform a relaxing action on the muscles and stimulate sleep .

The mother tincture of escolzia is therefore indicated in cases of anxiety, stress, sleep disorders, insomnia, nervousness and irritability. Its intake helps to decrease the period of falling asleep and produces good quality sleep throughout the night, avoiding sudden awakenings .

The hydroalcoholic extract of the plant also has antispasmodic and analgesic activity, especially at the level of the gastrointestinal system ; it is useful in night cramps (flavonoids also improve the circulation of microcirculation), psychosomatic disorders, headaches, muscle spasms and neurovegetative dystonia .

Description of the plant

The escolzia is native to Arizona, California and Oregon and of Mexico, it grows above all in the coastal dunes and in the arid valleys in proximity of the sea, on soft ground, mixed with sand, but it is also adapted to clayey soils provided they are well drained.

Perennial herbaceous plant grown as an annual. It has prostrate stems that widen to form bushes 40-50 cm high, of green-glaucous color. The leaves are alternate, petiolate, jagged, with a green-ash color.

The single flowers have 4 obovate free petals, white, yellow or orange, with a variety of color tending to bright red. The small and numerous seeds are contained in a 4-5 cm long pod.

How to prepare the mother tincture of escolzia

The " drug " (utilized part) corresponds to the aerial parts (stem, the flower), collected from May to September. The fresh plant is used, as it loses most of its properties.

The mother tincture of escolzia is prepared with a drug weight ratio : 1:10 solvent and 55% vol. Alcohol content.

The outburst among the officinal herbs against insomnia

use

The mother tinctures have no contraindications except those of the plant itself, diluted in a little water can be administered to all, the alcohol contained in them is thus diluted, so it is harmless.

The mother tincture of escolzia is not recommended for children, during pregnancy and during breastfeeding . It is better to avoid its use in case of cardiovascular problems (eg hypotension, bradycardia), as it can influence the cardiac activity by lowering blood pressure parameters.

It is contraindicated in case of simultaneous use of psychotropic drugs, tranquilizers and sedatives, or synthesis antihistamines, to prevent a dangerous enhancement of sedative action and drug side effects.

Internal use : 30-40 drops in the evening, dissolved in half a glass of water, before going to bed