Herbal Profile: Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Botanical Information:

• Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus
• Family: Cannabaceae
• Common Names: Hops, hop cones

Physical Description:

• Part Used: Flowers (seed cones)
• Appearance: Green, cone-shaped flowers
• Flavor: Bitter, slightly aromatic
• Aroma: Pungent, aromatic, often described as earthy, floral, and citrusy depending on the variety

Chemical Constituents:

• Bitter Acids: Humulone, lupulone, and their oxidation products (iso-alpha acids)
• Essential Oils: Myrcene, humulene, caryophyllene, farnesene, and other terpenoids
• Flavonoids: Xanthohumol, 8-prenylnaringenin (phytoestrogen)
• Tannins: Contribute to the astringent quality
• Resins: Soft resins (alpha acids) and hard resins

Traditional Uses:

• Sedative and Relaxant: Used to treat anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.
• Digestive Aid: Helps stimulate appetite and relieve indigestion.
• Antimicrobial: Exhibits antimicrobial properties, especially against Gram-positive bacteria.
• Hormonal Balance: The phytoestrogen content may help with menopausal symptoms.

Medicinal Benefits:

• Sleep Aid: Due to its mild sedative effects, often used in herbal teas and supplements for insomnia and anxiety.
• Anti-inflammatory: The bitter acids and essential oils possess anti-inflammatory properties.
• Antioxidant: The flavonoid xanthohumol has strong antioxidant properties.
• Digestive Health: Can help alleviate digestive issues like dyspepsia and promote healthy digestion.

Preparation and Dosage:

• Tea/Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons of dried hops flowers in a cup of boiling water, steep for 10-15 minutes.
• Tincture: 1-2 ml (20-40 drops) of hops tincture, 2-3 times daily.
• Capsules/Tablets: As directed on the product label, usually standardized extracts.
• Topical Use: Infused in oils or added to baths for relaxation and skin health.

Safety and Precautions:

• Contraindications: Not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Side Effects: In some individuals, it may cause sedation or drowsiness. Allergic reactions are rare but possible.
• Interactions: May enhance the effects of sedatives, including alcohol, and certain medications.

Culinary Uses:

• Primarily used in brewing beer to provide bitterness, flavor, and aroma.
• Occasionally used in herbal teas and culinary recipes for their unique flavor and health benefits.

Harvesting and Storage:

• Harvesting: Typically harvested in late summer to early autumn when the cones are fully mature.
• Storage: Dried hops should be stored in an airtight container away from light and moisture to preserve their potency.