Hops: properties and contraindications

what is hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus) It is a climbing plant, with large leaves, split into broad, oval lobes, highly toothed. Its male flowers, grouped in dense panicles, appear on different plants than the female flowers, pendulous cones formed by membranous scales reminiscent of small artichokes. Its medicinal power resides in these beautiful cones or strobile, and to a lesser extent also in the leaves.

Riverside forests and hedgerows near watercourses are the natural habitat of hops, which is present throughout Europe, including the north and west of the Iberian Peninsula.

In fact, humulus can derive from the Latin humeo for humidity, alluding to the certainly humid environments where the plant thrives, and lupulus corresponds to Lupus salicarius or wolf of the willows, due to the tendency of this plant to get entangled in the willows until suffocating them.

What is hops used for?

He hop used since the 13th century in Europe for brewinga use that caused not a little resistance because it was considered an “evil” plant (it is the only botanical relative of hemp or marijuana). A century before, Saint Hildegarde had attributed special powers to dispel melancholy and alleviate liver ailments.

It is believed that the name of lupulusby «wolf», can allude to his tendency to wrap around tree trunks. It is, in effect, a climbing plant, typical of riverside forests, with creeping rhizomes, large, palmate leavesgreenish male flowers, in panicles, and pendulous cone-shaped female flowerswith scales that house in their bosom some aromatic glands.

The cones contain two substances of strong bitternesslupulona and humulona, ​​as well as essential oilphenolic acids, flavonoids and tannins.

He lupulin is he yellowish powder coating the cones, and is obtained by shaking them slightly. It is rich in essence and is attributed sedative and anaphrodisiac effects for the male.

We can find hops in dry plant for infusion and maceration, and even in little bags to place under the pillow. Also in tincture, liquid extract, capsules or dragees and fresh lupulin.

Hops medicinal properties

Perhaps because it is the only botanical relative of hemp and marijuana, hops have a certain stigma as a dangerous plant. However, due to its properties, it constitutes one of the most effective herbalist resources to treat different disorders.

Let us see below the main Therapeutic virtues of hops:

1. Relaxing action

Hops have sedative and even hypnotic properties. It is mainly indicated as a calming remedy in case of chronic or punctual insomnia, mild anxiety attacks, tachycardia, neuralgia and migraines. A study from the University of Extremadura has found that having non-alcoholic beer at dinner, which is made with hops, improves the quality of sleep. It can be combined with valerian.

It is mainly intended for fight insomnia or sleep interrupted by recurring nightmares. Allows reduce motor activity, nervousness and excitabilityhelps park the worries of the day and facilitates a peaceful and restful sleep. combine with other sedative plants such as valerian, lemon balm or hawthorn.It is no less effective against mild or temporary anxiety statesnervous irritability and hyperactivityIt is a support to calm the tachycardia nervous type and migraine.

2. Serves as an aperitif and digestive

It is considered an excellent bitter and stomach tonic, ideal to return the appetite to listless or weakened organisms.

It is indicated in case of heavy or slow digestions, in hepatobiliary disorders, to combat gastrointestinal spasms and to prevent the formation of stones in the gallbladder.

well combined, It is very effective against nervous indigestion.which generate discomfort and headaches.

3. It is an ideal hormonal regulator in menopause

It helps to regulate the estrogen deficit, so it is useful to mitigate menopausal disorders, such as back pain, migraines, tachycardia, states of melancholy, etc. Hop flowers reduce intensity and frequency of hot flashes and other symptoms of perimenopause, as well as to alleviate other symptoms of this period, such as migraine and neuralgic pain. Women with hormone-sensitive cancer should see their doctor.

Likewise, it is indicated, well combined, To treat painful periods.

4. It protects the skin

Hops show true antiseptic, antibacterial and antifungal power.

Externally, it is applied on mild dermomycosis, acne, eczema and boils, as well as as a stimulant for the scalp, to treat seborrheic dermatitis and alopecia.

5. It has anti-inflammatory power

Hop flavonoids have been shown to inhibit nitric oxide productionwhich is one of the substances involved in the inflammatory response.

For this reason it is indicated as support in joint and neuralgic inflammations such as sciatica and low back pain.

6. Hops are an anaphrodisiac

This function has been attributed to it since ancient times and is intended for the treatment of an exaggerated sexual appetite in the male, to combat premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea.

7. For osteoarthritis and diabetes

Osteoarthritis: A mixture of hop extract, rosemary and oleanolic acid is capable of reduce pain in patients with osteoarthritis. In these cases, the purified presentation of phytoestrogens is recommended.Diabetes: Hops extract may lower blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2 diabetes, according to studies from the University of Washington.

How to take the hops

Infusion against insomnia

To combat insomnia problems, a very adjusted formula is proposed that combines hop strobila with three other sedative plants: poppy, passionflower and orange blossomsin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Boil a level tablespoon of this mixture per glass of water for 1 minute, and let it stand for 5.

Is taken half the glass after dinner and the other half at bedtime.

Tisane with hops against migraine

A good analgesic formula for migraines and muscular discomfort is the one that combines hops with meadowsweet, viburnum and marjoramin equal parts.

How to prepare it: Two tablespoons of the mixture are poured per half liter of water. Boil for 1 minute, leave to rest for 10, strain and drink during the day.

Hops infusion for acne

It combines hops, sarsaparilla and burdockat the rate of two tablespoons per half liter of water.

It is taken as an infusion, throughout the day, in small doses.

Hops Precautions and Contraindications

It should not be taken orally during pregnancy or if it is planned to remain in state shortly or during the lactation or in case of hyperestrogeniasince it contains phytoestrogens.

Author: Jordi Cebrian
Advisor: J Mª Teixé, herbalist at “El Manantial de Salud”