|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Home >
Research Department >
Supplement Articles
> Humulus Lupulus |
|
Supplement Articles |
|
|
HUMULUS LUPULUS
Articles by a Naturopathic
Doctor ( N.D.)
Humulus Lupulus, better
known as Hops, can put that
nervous energy to bed ... |
|
HUMULUS LUPULUS
(HOPS) |
|
|
|
Hops is commonly
used to assist with
insomnia, anxiety
and menopausal
symptoms. |
|
|
Hops
have been used in
brewing as a bitter
flavoring,
preservative and
antibiotic for over
a thousand years.
When it was being
harvested by hand,
it was noticed that
hops pickers were
often drowsy. The
small amount of
volatile oil in Hops
is concentrated when
the flower is dried
and this is what is
said to give the
herb its sedative
effects. Today it is
used widely valued
for its sleep
inducing and calming
properties. |
The Hops
vines grow only female
flower clusters on their
hairy stems and are found in
Europe, Western Asia and
North America. Herbal
medicine makes use of the
dried female fruiting bodies
called strobiles. They have
both a spicy aroma and
bitter taste, which account
for Hops ability to increase
gastric secretions and
appetite, making it a useful
digestive aid.
Humulus Lupulus, like many
plants, has been used in
different areas for slightly
different medicinal uses.
Native Americans used Hops
for insomnia and pain. In
Europe, it was traditionally
given as a general tonic, to
relieve rheumatism and joint
pain, cure fever, to remove
obstructions and as a
diuretic. It has also been
used to treat jaundice and
abdominal discomfort, such
as gas, cramping and
diarrhea. It can be used to
treat infection, as it is
known to have anti-microbial
properties. Today, the use
of Hops is more restricted
to its use as anti-anxiety,
relaxant and sedative. It is
also often combined with
other herbs to treat acute
menopausal symptoms, such as
hot flash, insomnia and mood
swings. It is said to have
mild estrogenic effects.
Hops can be used fresh or
dried and put in a sachet
under one’s pillow to
promote a good night’s
sleep, or made into tea. It
is also typically used in
tincture (Alcohol extract)
form, although can be made
into both oil and tablets,
as well. As a dried
substance, approximately
300-400 mg/day is commonly
used. As a liquid extract,
1.5-3 ml/day can be used.
Hops are considered safe and
non-toxic, and compared to
other sedative are said to
be very mild. Individuals
with peanut, chestnut and
banana allergies may also
find they are allergic to
hops or hops pollen. These
individuals should be
cautious when consuming this
substance. Individuals using
hops while also on CNS
depressant medication may
want to be cautious while
driving or operating
machinery. It is not
recommended in pregnancy and
lactation.
Parts Used – Female flowers
(Strobiles)
|
Humulus
Lupulus –
QUICK FACTS
|
PARTS USED
|
·
Female
flowers (Strobiles) |
|
APPLICATIONS |
· Insomnia,
anxiety,
tension or
menopausal
symptoms. |
OPTIMUM
DOSAGE
|
·
Dried herb
300-400
mg/day,
liquid
extract
1.5-3ml/day |
WORKS WELL
WITH
|
·
Valerian and
other herbs
to promote
sleep, such
as chamomile
and
passionflower. |
|
IMPORTANT
INFORMATION
click for products |
·
Individuals
with a
severe
peanut,
chestnut or
banana may
been to be
careful with
consuming
hops. Be
cautious
when taking
hops with
CNS
depressant
medication. |
|
|
For
informational
purposes only.
Please consult your
health care
practitioner before
taking natural
health care
products. Click here
for full disclaimer. |
|
|
|
|
All articles
copyright National Nutrition
2001 - 2011. For educational
purposes only. Please note
that while National Nutrition
supports your right to use
natural health care products for
any therapeutic purpose that you
see fit, that the information on
this website should not be
considered as a claim or as a
substitute for medical advice. |
|
|
|