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 Humulus lupulus (Cannabinaceae)
HOPS
Female hop flowers, or cones, are
a long-established herbal remedy for sleeplessness, and are also used to
relieve nervous digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Hops are also an anaphrodisiac in
men.
Hops were first used in beer making in 14th century Flanders.
They reached Britain two centuries later, around which time they were used in medicine as an aid to sleeping and
for calming nervous stomachs. Native to Europe, North America and parts of Asia,
the hop plant is a perennial climber with heart-shaped, finely toothed, lobed leaves
and male and female flowers on separate plants in late summer.
Male flowers grow in loose bunches and female flowers are yellowish-green, cone-like catkins.
PARTS USED
Female flowers (or cones).
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Volatile oil containing humulene, myrcrene, and caryophylline; bitter substances,
humulone and lupulones; flavonols, including quercitin and astragalin; resin; tannins; traces of oestrogen-like substances.
ACTIONS
Sedative; tranquillizer; promotes sleep; reduces muscle tension and spasm; increases urine production; bitter (digestive stimulant).
MEDICINAL USE
Given to promote restful sleep and for relief of nervous intestinal conditions,
including irritable bowel syndrome. Hops are also an anaphrodisiac for men.
PREPARATIONS
Dried, tablets, tincture, extract.
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