What is hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus) It is a climbing plant, with large leaves, divided into wide, oval lobes, very toothed. Its male flowers, grouped in dense panicles, appear on different plants than the female flowers, pendulous cones formed by membranous scales that resemble small artichokes. Its medicinal power resides in these beautiful cones or strobiles, and to a lesser extent also in the leaves.

Riverside forests and hedges near watercourses constitute the natural habitat of hops, which are present throughout Europe, including the north and west of the Iberian Peninsula.

In fact, humulus can derive from the Latin humeo for humidity, alluding to the certainly humid environments where the plant thrives, and lupulus corresponds to Lupus salicarius or willow wolf, due to the tendency of this plant to get tangled in willows until suffocating them.

What are hops for?

He hop It was used since the 13th century in Europe for brewing beera use that caused no little resistance because it was considered an «evil» plant (it is the only botanical relative of hemp or marijuana). A century earlier, Saint Hildegard had attributed special powers to it to dispel melancholy and relieve liver ailments.

It is believed that the name of lupulusby «wolf», may refer to his tendency to twist around tree trunks. It is, in fact, a vine plant, typical of riverside forests, with creeping rhizomes, large, palmate leavesgreenish male flowers, in panicles, and female flowers in the form of pendulous coneswith scales that house aromatic glands.

The cones contain two substances of strong bitternesslupulone and humulone, as well as essential oilphenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins.

He lupulin is he yellowish dust that covers the conesand is obtained by shaking them slightly. It is rich in essence and is attributed sedative and anaphrodisiac effects for men.

We can find hops in dried plant for infusion and maceration, and even in bags to place under the pillow. Also in tincture, liquid extract, capsules or dragees and fresh lupulin.

Medicinal properties of hops

Perhaps because it is the only botanical relative of hemp and marijuana, hops have a certain stigma as a dangerous plant. However, due to its properties, it constitutes one of the most effective herbal resources to treat different disorders.

Let’s see below the main therapeutic virtues of hops:

1. Relaxing action

Hops have sedative and even hypnotic properties. It is mainly indicated as a calming remedy in case of chronic or occasional insomnia, mild anxiety attacks, tachycardia, neuralgia and migraines. A study from the University of Extremadura has proven that drinking non-alcoholic beer, which is made with hops, for dinner, improves the quality of sleep. It can be combined with valerian.

• It is mainly intended for combat insomnia or sleep interrupted by recurring nightmares.
• Allows reduce motor activity, nervousness and excitabilityhelps put away the worries of the day and facilitates a peaceful and restful sleep.
• It is usually combine with other sedative plants such as valerian, lemon balm or hawthorn.
• It is no less effective against mild or temporary anxiety statesnervous irritability and hyperactivity.
• It is a support to calm the tachycardias nervous type and migraine.

2. Serves as an aperitif and digestive

It is considered an excellent bitter and stomach tonic, ideal for restoring appetite to listless or weakened organisms.

It is indicated in case of heavy or slow digestion, in hepatobiliary disorders, to combat gastrointestinal spasms and to prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder.

Well combined, It is very effective against nervous indigestionwhich generate discomfort and headaches.

3. It is an ideal hormonal regulator in menopause

It helps regulate estrogen deficiency, making it useful to mitigate menopause disorders, such as back pain, migraines, tachycardia, states of melancholy, etc. Hop flowers reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms of perimenopause, as well as to relieve other symptoms of this period, such as migraines and neuralgic pain. Women with hormone-sensitive cancer should consult their doctor.

Likewise, it is indicated, well combined, to treat painful menstruations.

4. It is skin protective

Hops show true antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal power.

Externally, it is applied to mild dermomycosis, acne, eczema and boils, as well as as a scalp stimulant, to treat seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia.

5. It has anti-inflammatory power

It has been shown that hop flavonoids can inhibit nitric oxide productionwhich is one of the substances involved in the inflammatory response.

Therefore it is indicated as support in joint and neuralgic inflammation such as sciatica and low back pain.

6. Hops are an anaphrodisiac

This function has been attributed to it since ancient times and is intended for the treatment of an exaggerated sexual appetite in men, to combat premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea.

7. For osteoarthritis and diabetes

• Osteoarthritis: A mixture of hop extract, rosemary and oleanolic acid is capable of reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis. In these cases, the purified presentation of phytoestrogens is recommended.
• Diabetes: Hop extract can lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type two diabetes, according to studies at the University of Washington.

How to take hops

Infusion against insomnia

To combat insomnia problems, a very adjusted formula is proposed that combines hop strobili with three other sedative plants: poppy, passionflower and orange blossomsin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil a level tablespoon of this mixture per glass of water for 1 minute, and let it rest for 5.

It is taken Half the glass after dinner and the other half at bedtime.

Herbal tea with hops against migraine

A good analgesic formula for migraines and muscle discomfort is one that combines hops with meadowsweet, viburnum and marjoramin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Pour two tablespoons of the mixture per half a liter of water. Boil it for 1 minute, let it rest for 10 minutes, strain it and drink it during the day.

Infusion with hops for acne

They combine hops, sarsaparilla and burdockat a rate of two tablespoons per half liter of water.

It is taken as an infusion, throughout the day, in small doses.

Precautions and contraindications of hops

Should not be taken orally during pregnancy or if you plan to stay in state shortly or during the lactation or in case of hyperestrogeniasince it contains phytoestrogens.

Author: Jordi Cebrián
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist from “El Manantial de Salud”