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Hops
(Humulus lupulus)
DESCRIPTION
The source of the bitter flavour in beer, hops function primarily
as a mild sedative. To induce sleep, it is often combined
with other herbal sedatives such as passionflower, Valerian
root, and Skullcap. By soothing the nervous system, hops produces
a calm state of mind about 20 minutes after ingesting it.
The United States is the world’s leading producer of
hops.
HERBAL USES
Hops were used traditionally
by the Greeks, Romans, and the Chinese to treat poor digestion
and intestinal disturbances. Additionally, the Chinese also
used hops to treat leprosy and tuberculosis.
SUGGESTED INTAKES
Part of the plant used:
FRUITING BODIES.
0.5 g, one to three times
daily.
SUPPLEMENTAL USES
Sedative effect:
When workers in hop fields were found to be prone to fall
asleep on the job, it was discovered that hops contain sedative
properties. However, the source of the sedative in live hop
plants seems to be an oil that evaporates upon storage. The
sedative properties of dried hop plants appears to come from
methylbutenol, which either develops over time or is made
in the body from constituents of the hop plant (1). The calming
effect of hops makes it a potential treatment for Insomnia
and Anxiety. Because the effect is mild, the herb is often
combined with other treatments. Little scientific evidence
exists to support the sedative effect of hops (2).
Digestive health:
Hops are also used to improve appetite and digestive health,
like other bitter plants.
Muscle spasms:
Hops may be effective in reducing muscle spasms (3).
SAFETY AND PRECAUTIONS
Aside from occasional allergic
reactions, hops appear to be quite safe. The body does not
easily tolerate large doses of hops. Hops may cause contact
Dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Some species of dogs,
especially greyhounds, have been found to be extremely sensitive
to hops, resulting in death at times (4). The nature of this
toxicity has not yet been determined.
INTERACTIONS AND CONTRA-INDICATIONS
Do not to take hops with
other Insomnia or Anxiety medications, unless otherwise directed
by a physician. One animal study showed that hops can increase
the effects of sedative drugs (5).
REFERENCES
1. Schulz V, et al.
Rational phytotherapy. New York: Springer-Verlag, 1998: 82-83.
2. Schulz V, et al. Rational phytotherapy. New York: Springer-Verlag,
1998: 83.
3. Caujolle, F., et.al. 1969. Spasmolytic action of hop (humulus
lupuls). Agressologie, 10(5).
4. Duncan KL, et al. Malignant hyperthermia-like reaction
secondary to ingestion of hops in five dogs. J Am Vet Med
Assoc 210: 51-54, 1997.
5. Lee KM, et al. Effects of Humulus lupulus extract on the
central nervous system in mice. Planta Med 59(Suppl.): A691,
1993.
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