Hops (Humulus)
May help against: Insomnia, nervousness, depression, menopause
Main medical use includes sedative, hypnotic, diuretic, tranquillizer. Constituents include humulene, myrcene, with traces of acid such as 2-methylpropanoic. Hop is very useful as remedy for sleeplessness. Other pharmacological actions include spasmolytic and antimicrobial activity.
Hops is also known by the name Hop Bine. Hops grows throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and belongs to the same group of plants as the stinging nettle. The word “Hops” comes from “hoppan”, meaning “to climb” in reference to Hops being a climbing vine. Ancient Hebrews used Hops to deter the spread of the Bubonic Plague. Hops gained acceptance in England as an ingredient in beer and as a medicinal herb in 17th century. Hops gives beer its distinctive taste and prevents bacterial growth. For centuries, it has also been considered valuable as a food, whereby the young shoots have been eaten like asparagus in many countries. American Indians made a sedative from the blossoms, and they also applied heated, dried flowers to relieve toothaches. The hormonal effects of Hops were noticed when female gatherers of the plants got their menstrual cycles early.Primary chemical constituents of this herb include humulone, lupulinic acid, bitter principle, essential oil, valerianic acid, flavonoids (Quercetin,Rutin), choline, phytoestrogens, and tannin. Hops is rich in vitamin C and B-complex, and also contains various minerals. Many herbal preparations for insomnia combine Hops with more potent sedative herbs, such as valerian. Hops tea is recommended for conditions of nervous diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. It can also help to stimulate appetite, dispel flatulence, and relieve intestinal cramps. This herb can be usefully combined with valerian for coughs and nervous spasmodic conditions. The cold tea of Hops, taken an hour before meals, is particularly good for digestion. Hops also has diuretic properties and can be taken for various problems with water retention and excess uric acid. Hops can be made into a sachet and placed in ones pillowcase as a sleeping aid and nightmare preventive.
In each capsule : 100 mg