Hops - Humulus lupulus
Hops information and how they are used as a herb in alternative herbal treatments to treat ailments and problems, such as to decrease the desire for alcohol, reduce irritation and promote sleep.
Although we believe in the therapeutic and healing properties of herbs, care must be taken in the use thereof, as they are powerful compounds.
Botanical Classification: Family Cannabidaceae
Genus and specie: Humulus lupulus
Other names: Humulus
Description of the herb hops:
The plant is a twining climber with bristly stems and coarsely toothed leaves. Tiny green male flowers are produced in branched clusters and larger female flowers appear in hops "strobili" beneath soft, pale green, aromatic bracts.
Parts used:
The dried female flowers (hops) and hops grain are normally used.
Properties:
It is a potent sedative and has hormonal as well as anti-bacterial effects and is a bitter, tonic herb that is diuretic, relieves pain and relaxes spasms.
It contains prenylated derivatives, phenolics (rutin, quercetin and proanthocyanidins), as well as a volatile oil containing caryophyllene, humulene and b-myrcene.
Therapeutic uses:
Internal use:
It is used internally for nervous tension, insomnia, anxiety, irritability, nervous digestion (including irritable bowel syndrome) and premature ejaculation.
Hops helps to promote sleep and decrease the desire for alcohol.
The young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked like asparagus.
The main commercial application of hops is the flavoring in beer.
External use:
Used externally for skin infections, eczema, herpes and leg ulcers.
The antiseptic and seborrhoeic properties of hops are of great use in shampoos for greasy hair and in dandruff treatments in conjunction with other vegetable extracts.
It can also be incorporated into bath gels because of the action as stimulants of the cutaneous metabolism and it has recently been included in the group of products which enhance hair growth.
This cosmetic property has been proved in vitro through the inhibition of I-reductase, in which the striking activity of enhancing the growth of the scalp was observed. This effect has also been seen in vivo with volunteers.
Aromatherapy and essential oil use:
None noted.
Safety precautions and warnings:
Not to be used in cases of depression and some individuals may have an allergic reaction to it when used topically.
