Organic Hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus)

Herbs are Sold By the Ounce, Price is Per Ounce

Hops Flowers (Humulus lupulus)

Family: Cannabaceae

Common Names: Common Hop, European Hop

Botanical Description: Hops are climbing perennial plants known for their vigorous, twining stems and cone-shaped flowers, often called "hops cones" or "strobiles." The flowers, or cones, are light green and papery with a distinct, aromatic scent. The plant can grow up to 20 feet or more in a single growing season, supported by a sturdy trellis or other structure. The flowers are rich in lupulin, a yellowish powder that contains the active compounds used in brewing and herbal medicine.

Habitat and Cultivation: Hops are native to Europe, Asia, and North America. They prefer temperate climates and thrive in rich, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Hops are typically grown in large fields with trellises to support their climbing growth. They are primarily cultivated for use in the brewing industry, but also have a long history of medicinal use.

Parts Used: Flowers (cones)

Historical and Folklore Uses:

Hops have been used since ancient times, primarily in brewing beer, where they serve as a natural preservative and add a bitter flavor. In addition to their role in brewing, hops have been used in traditional European herbal medicine for their sedative and digestive properties. In folklore, hop-filled pillows were used to promote restful sleep, and hops were believed to protect against evil spirits and negative energy.

Energetics and Taste:

• Energetics: Cooling, drying
• Taste: Bitter, aromatic

Medicinal Actions:

• Sedative: Promotes relaxation and sleep, helping to alleviate insomnia.
• Nervine: Calms the nervous system, reducing anxiety and stress.
• Bitter Tonic: Stimulates digestion by increasing the production of digestive fluids and enzymes.
• Antispasmodic: Relieves muscle spasms and cramps.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the digestive and nervous systems.
• Estrogenic: Contains compounds that mimic the effects of estrogen, potentially balancing hormones.

System Affinities:

• Nervous System: Hops are best known for their ability to promote relaxation and restful sleep. They are commonly used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress-related conditions.
• Digestive System: The bitter properties of hops stimulate appetite and digestion, making them useful in treating indigestion, bloating, and poor appetite.
• Musculoskeletal System: Hops can help relieve muscle tension and spasms, often used in combination with other herbs in relaxing herbal blends.
• Hormonal System: Due to their mild estrogenic effects, hops may be helpful in balancing hormones, particularly during menopause.

Active Compounds:

• Humulone and Lupulone: Bitter acids that contribute to the digestive and sedative effects of hops.
• Xanthohumol: A prenylflavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anti-cancer properties.
• 8-Prenylnaringenin: A potent phytoestrogen found in hops that may help balance hormones, particularly during menopause.
• Essential Oils (myrcene, humulene): Contribute to the sedative and aromatic properties of hops.

Uses:

1. Sleep Aid: Hops are widely used in herbal teas, tinctures, and supplements to promote relaxation and help with insomnia. They are often combined with valerian, chamomile, or passionflower for enhanced effect.
2. Anxiety and Stress Relief: As a nervine, hops help to calm the nervous system, making them useful in treating anxiety, nervous tension, and stress-related conditions.
3. Digestive Health: The bitter compounds in hops stimulate digestion, improve appetite, and relieve indigestion and bloating. Hops are often used in digestive bitters formulas.
4. Menopause Support: Due to their mild estrogenic effects, hops can be used to help alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and mood swings.
5. Muscle Relaxant: Hops can relieve muscle tension and spasms, particularly when used in herbal baths, compresses, or as part of a relaxing herbal tea blend.

Cautions:

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Hops are generally not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to their sedative and estrogenic effects.
• Depression: If you have a history of depression, use hops with caution, as their sedative effects might exacerbate depressive symptoms in some individuals.
• Allergic Reactions: People who are allergic to plants in the Cannabaceae family (which includes cannabis) should use hops cautiously, as allergic reactions are possible.

Research and Studies:

1. A study published in Phytomedicine demonstrated the sedative and sleep-enhancing effects of hops, particularly when used in combination with valerian root .
2. Research in Journal of Ethnopharmacology highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of xanthohumol, a key compound in hops, supporting its use in reducing oxidative stress and inflammation .
3. Another study in Menopause explored the potential benefits of 8-prenylnaringenin, the phytoestrogen found in hops, in alleviating menopausal symptoms.