Hops: Not Just for Beer! Explore Potential Health Benefits

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The Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder already knew about the many health benefits of hops because he christened the plant Lupulus. After all, it overgrows the gardens where it grows like a Lupus (the Latin word for wolf). Since the Middle Ages, lupulin has been used to give aroma and preserve beer, and many additional properties have been discovered.

Healing and Health Benefits of Hops

Lupulin, a powder that falls when the hop cones are shaken, contains an essence rich in terpenic hydrocarbons. It provides this powder with its sedative and narcotic (which induces sleep) actions. It also includes a resin with bitter ingredients, explaining its tonic, digestive, and appetizer action. The cones also contain flavonoids, which have estrogenic and antiseptic activity. It is used in the following cases:

1. Nervous states, insomnia, migraine.
2. Sexual hyperexcitation in young males (anaphrodisiac action). In the United Kingdom, hop cones were used to fill pillows during Queen Victoria’s reign.
3. Difficult digestion and lack of appetite.
4. Stomachache, neuralgic pain, externally applied as compresses or poultices.

Hop is an excellent remedy for those with insomnia. It has a unique calming effect on the entire system. The herb treats anxiety, nervous stomach, stress, headaches, restlessness, and nervous diarrhea. However, it has other uses. Hops can also be used for ulcers, toothache, chest ailments, bronchial tubes, sore throat, stomach tonic, morning sickness, jaundice, indigestion, fever, and coughs.

It can relieve intestinal cramps, dispel flatulence, and stimulate the appetite. It can also remedy sexually transmitted diseases and cardiovascular disorders. A cold tea made with hops can aid and increase digestion. Putting the dry herb inside a pillow will bring about sleep.

Externally, it can treat skin ailments, rheumatic pains, earaches, inflammations, boils, and bruises.

NOTE: Hops tend to lose internal medicinal effectiveness quickly when stored.

In Germany, people use the herb to treat discomfort from sleep disturbances, restlessness, and anxiety. It is considered to be calming and beneficial in promoting sleep. Tea made from the fruit (strobiles) is traditionally used as a diuretic, sedative, and antispasmodic. The fruit is also helpful internally to treat cramps, coughs, and fevers and externally to treat rheumatism, boils, bruises, and inflammation.

The plant contains several pain-relieving and soothing components. Its antimicrobial properties are currently being investigated. Hops also relieve the spasms of smooth muscles. They can ease unrest, nervous tension, and mood disturbances. Japanese hops (Hunnihis japonicas) are weedy plants with five—to nine-leaf lobes that are rougher than typical hops but are used the same way.

WARNING! Do not exceed the recommended doses for internal use, as hops may provoke nausea.

Hops Scientific Facts

1. Other names: Common hops, European hops.
2. French: Houblon, houblon a la biere.
3. Spanish: Lupulo.
4. Environment: It is widespread in humid forests and hedges throughout Europe and North America. The plant is cultivated in many regions.
5. Description: This is a vibrant vine of the Cannabinaceae family whose stem may reach up to six meters. It is a dioicous plant whose female plants produce globular flowers that take a conic shape (cones or catkins) when the fruit ripens.
6. Parts of the plants used medicinally: Cones (flowers of the hops plant) and lupulin (the golden powder of these fruits).

How to use Hops

1. Infusion
2. Dry extract.
3. Warm compresses with the same infusion of hop cones described for internal use. These compresses are applied over the painful area.
4. Poultices. These are prepared by putting a handful of hop cones on a cotton cloth and wrapping them. Then soak the gauze in warm water and apply it over the painful area (it is usually employed on the stomach).

Infusion – Steep for five to fifteen minutes and take six ounces three times daily, hot or cold. Tincture – Take fifteen to thirty drops ½ to one teaspoon thrice daily. Fluid Extract – Take ten to fifteen drops three times daily. Powder – Take five to ten #0 capsules (30 to 60 grains) thrice daily.

DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.

REFERENCES

1. George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. Vols. 1 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 158. Print. [health benefits of hops]
2. Vance Ferrell Harold M. Cherne, M.D. The Natural Remedies Encyclopedia [Book]. – Altamont, TN: Harvestime Books, 2010. – Vol. Seventh Edition: 7: pp. 162, 163.
3. Hukins Hops: https://www.hukins-hops.co.uk/our-story/news-press/what-does-hops-do-for-the-body/