Botanical Overview
Humulus lupulus, commonly known as hops or common hop, belongs to the family Cannabaceae. The plant is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its sedative and digestive properties. The primary parts used are the flower cones, with leaves and stems sometimes applied.
Native to Europe, North America, and Western Asia, hops have been utilized medicinally and as a flavoring agent in brewing.
Energetics
Hops have a cooling temperature with a drying moisture quality. They taste bitter and aromatic, exhibiting a descending directionality and a relaxing tonicity. Energetically, hops act predominantly on the ‘qi’ aspect.
Primary Actions
- Sedative
- Bitter tonic
- Antimicrobial
- Anti-inflammatory
Indications
Western
- Insomnia
- Anxiety
- Digestive complaints
- Loss of appetite
- Menopausal symptoms
Syndromes
- Nervous agitation
- Mild anxiety disorders
- Functional digestive disturbances
TCM
No reliable traditional Chinese Medicine uses recorded.
Ayurveda
Not documented for specialized Ayurvedic use.
Unani
Not documented for specialized Unani use.
Constituents & Mechanisms
Key phytochemicals include alpha acids (humulones), beta acids (lupulones), flavonoids, volatile oils, resins, and the prenylated flavonoid xanthohumol, contributing to the sedative, antimicrobial, and bitter tonic effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Tincture 1:5 40% ethanol 2-4 mL 2-3 times daily
- Infusion of flower cones 2-3 g per cup 2-3 times daily
- Standardized extract to alpha acids 30-50 mg daily
Safety & Contraindications
Hops should be used cautiously during pregnancy and lactation due to insufficient safety data. Sedative additive effects may occur with other CNS depressants. Allergic reactions are rare but possible, especially in individuals sensitive to the Cannabaceae family.
Contraindicated in pregnancy, lactation, and hypersensitivity to hops.
Astrological Correspondences
No well-supported planetary or elemental rulers were found in reputable sources.
Selected References
- European Medicines Agency Herbal Monograph: Humulus lupulus L., flos
- Plants For A Future – Humulus lupulus (Hops)
- Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database – Hops
- Stevens JF, Page JE. Pharmacological properties of Humulus lupulus extracts. PubMed 2004