Hops

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Family

Cannabaceae (hemp)

Part

flower (strobile)

Energetics

bitter, cold

Actions

sedative, antispasmodic, anodyne, antimicrobial

Organs/Systems

heart, stomach, muscles, nerves

Description

Hops is a strongly bitter herb, which indicates its use in increasing digestive juices; and acting as a relaxant. It is well suited for over-striving, intense personalities who exhaust their nervous system and may have trouble sleeping. A pillow made of hops, or used in a bath before bed, have long been used for insomnia. Its action with both digestion and the nerves indicates good use when nervous stress affects digestion, what we may call nervous indigestion. The relaxant and cooling effects are also used to treat irritability and hot flashes associated with menopause. Hops have been widely used to flavor and preserve beer since at least the Protestant Reformation, which, somewhat ironically, contains some of the most potent phytoestrogens in the herb world.

Cautions

Breastfeeding, melancholy or depression. Potent phytoestrogens.