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HUMULUS LUPULUS

Humulus Lupulus, better known as Hops, can put that nervous energy to bed...

Hops have been used in brewing as a bitter flavouring, 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. It also contains antimicrobial properties, which help it treat infections of the gastrointestinal tract. HOPS are a useful digestive aid and can help strengthen the digestive system. It is thought that HOPS may help reduce inflammation in individuals suffering from Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.

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. There has been some research done on HOPS for it's potential to support healthy cell growth. It has been shown to help prevent new blood vessels from forming thus prevents certain cell growths from starting, growing, or spreading. More research is needed on this use.

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.

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
· 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