Humulus lupulus, L. Monograph Latin name: Humulus lupulus, L. Standardized common name: Hops Other common names: Common Hops, Common Hop, Beer Flower, European Hops Family: Cannabaceae
Authored by: Lisha Fenimore
Parts used:
The dried female flowers (strobili) are used medicinally and contain the glands that exude the bright yellow compounds, such as lupulin and humulone, which contain the bitter digestive, antispasmodic, anxiolytic, and antibacterial attributes. The longer it is dried, the more relaxing and less bitter action it has a medicine. They are best harvested in early Fall when they turn a dull amber color and should be dried immediately; but take caution by using gloves and a face mask so you do not become drowsy. The essential oil is also used to provide a sedative effect. Traditionally, the young shoots, roots, and leaves have been cooked and used as a food source similar to asparagus. The pulp of the stem can be used to create paper and cardboard, as well as the fibers used to create textiles and weave baskets. Botanical description:
A perennial climbing bine, not vine, because it uses tough stems and specialized hairs to climb instead of tendrils or other modified stems. It has deep-green simple palmately lobed leaves that are similar to a maple’s leaves and can be parted 3-7 times. In addition, it contains pinnate leaves that are heart-shaped and usually located at the ends of the stem shoots. They both have serrated edges and pointed tips with an opposite stem arrangement -- they are also rough and aromatic due to the volatile oils. It is a dioecious plant that has the female and male flowers growing on separate plants. Both the male and female flowers are determinate and do not contain petals, only 5 sepals and the females have leafy bracts. The male inflorescence occurs in panicles (compounded racemes) or simple racemes and contain 5 stamens. The female flower exhibits a superior ovary with 2 fused carpels which make for 2 styles in total, although the most superior ovary usually overpowers the other and only one chamber remains. The fruit is an achene which is a dry and indehiscent single seed with a thin pericarp.
1. Habitat:
Some claim that it is native to Europe and others say China, but it is largely cultivated in North America and made an escape so it does grow wild in North America now. It is distributed up from the Rocky Mountains, south to New Mexico, and east until western Texas. This plant is usually found growing near conifers in the wild. Hops enjoys growing in mountainous regions in at least a moderate amount of heat (80 degrees F) with full sun; although it is largely cultivated on farms to be used commercially and gardens in varying climates. Cultivation reduces the amount of secondary constituents which are the medicinal properties that is sought out for medicine, but it does not affect the beer industry. This plant enjoys rich and moist soil that is at a pH between 5 and 8 with adequate air flow. It should also be noted that it is slow growing until about the second year of life, where it experiences rapid spurts of growth. It is worth the wait and tender love and care it requires!
2. Taste & Energetic Properties:
It has a bitter, salty, acrid and potent taste with a floral note following behind it. The taste travels down to the throat and remains for quite some time if enough is consumed. It can also become itchy and irritate the throat causing a cough. The herb I have found to counteract the bitterness is Hibiscus which is sour and mostly balances out the flavor to make it palatable. The effects of this herb can be hypnotic and promote a delirious state, especially when combined with alcohol as they are both depressants. It is indicated for constricted and atrophic tissue states associated with stagnancy of explosive energy. It is energetically hot in the eyes of alchemy, although bitterness is usually associated with the cold, and it is ruled by the planet Mars. But in Galenic medicine it is regarded as cold and drying. It holds the element of water because of its sodium content and affinity to water which makes it useful as a kidney tonic. The water element represents femininity, relationships, affection, spirituality healing wounds, receptivity, compassion, childbirth, and clairvoyance. All of these things remain in a continuous flow and become unhealthy when kept stagnant. The properties of hops allows us to integrate this flow by relaxing stress and anxiety by being a tonic and antispasmodic. Its highest power is known to be an overall healer and is used to energetically mellow out people that are very intense and have explosive anger that are aversed to the cold. This intensity can manifest as twitches, tremors, muscle tension, nervous, exhaustion, insomnia, panic attacks, abscesses, etc. The flower essence brings the wisdom of the sixth chakra and the pituitary gland. It balances and sheds light on the beauty of spiritual and physical growth. It helps improve self-esteem and assists with communicating with others. It also aids in the body’s needs to stay healthy and vibrant like blood vessel elasticity.
Doctrine of Signatures:
The strobile’s papery bracts look like a skirt or dress which make me think of femininity which pertains to the high oestrogen content it has. The brightness of the yellow bitter compounds is like a bright light expressing the potency. The lightness and strength reflects its properties as strengthening vitality to encourage growth, while also being anti-spasmodic and going with the flow. The fact that it is a climbing bine also shows how it encourages growth and well-being. The flow and surrender this herb brings can also be associated with its need to be in a space with healthy airflow, otherwise stagnancy will occur and the plant cannot thrive. The leaves are quite large which show how evolution created more surface area to absorb light since this plant is native to Europe and China where it tends to be cold and receive less light than places in the southern hemisphere. The multiple lobes of the leaves could indicate the varying actions Hops is indicated for.
3. Combinations:
Valeriana officinalis is an effective pairing with Humulus lupulus because it provides a sedative action for those with insomnia and restless anxiety. Valerian has a much more sedative effect and can sometimes be too much and cause lethargy, so the addition of Hops creates a more synergized and appropriate medicine for less severe cases. Valerian also assists with the antispasmodic aspect that Hops already has to encourage relaxation and a slow-down of bodily functions so REM sleep can be achieved through circadian rhythm regulation. Opposed to Hops’ need for prolonged drying periods, Valerian should be used as soon as possible when dried so valeric acid isn’t formed because it is an anticonvulsant and causes a foul odor. Foeniculum vulgare helps soothe the sometimes intense stomachic effects that come with ingesting Hops while also helping along the digestion pathway. The volatile oils exhibit antispasmodic and carminative actions by toning smooth muscle and excreting toxic intestinal gases. This can be especially helpful when taking Hops which stimulates the vagus nerve to tell GI tract organs to secrete digestive fluids which can lead to bloating. Not to mention, the bitterness is toned down by the aromatic pungency of Fennel. 4. Sustainability/Ecological Issues:
Hops is very popular in our society due to its presence in most beers. Alcohol is a huge commodity in America and is associated with special occassions, ex: drinking beer while watching sports events, so there is no denying that Hops is largely harvested. Thankfully, Hops is not very fidgety with where it grows as long is it has full sun, a fresh breeze, and rich soil which makes it very easy to cultivate; therefore replenishing the amount that was used in industry. After the plant’s second year of life it starts growing rapidly which makes it a really good short-term investment crop. When growing rather than wild harvesting, much more herb is attainable which attracts the economic interest. All of these things contribute to the protection of the plants that reside in the wild. Evenso, Hops is not Native to North America, but most likely from China. It must have been brought to Europe and then finally to North America. Basically, if Hops was hard to grow it would be on the ‘at risk’ United Plant Savers list, or extinct because of the large amounts of beer we consume. For its use in medicine making, it is favorable that it is potent because large quantities of Hops are seldom used. Actually, most of the herb that is sold on the market has already had most of its bitter glands removed to sell to people in the beer industry that are only seeking the bitter compounds -- so it is basically being recycled. I think it is safe to say that Hops will be around for a very long time.
5. Preparations and Doses:
This herb is special because it has a wide variety of indications depending on the dosage administered. Hops is commonly found in beer, but not at a medicinal dose per serving. Otherwise it is commonly found in tincture rather than as a tea due to its overwhelming bitterness at a medicinal dose. The powdered herb in a capsule will also skip over the bitter flavor, but it will take longer to take effect since it has to get processed through the GI tract before it can be absorbed. I have had Hops in tea form combined with Hibiscus which allows it to be palatable; and I usually enjoy some bitterness anyway. Drinking the tea definitely provided a more mellow effect for me, whereas the tincture noticeably induced GI secretions and made me pretty hungry. It was just a part of a formula rather than a simple which probably affected the way it acted on my body as well as a small period of drying time before preparation which increased its stomachic effect. Another way to experience the medicine of Hops, especially for sensitive youth or elders, is to put some in your pillow because the glands that contain the volatile oils are easily inhaled and can induce and improve the quality of sleep. One source (Kane) says the dosing is the following: 1:5 tincture ratio of foliage and flowers in 60% alcohol should be dosed at 30-60 drops 2-3 times daily, 1:1 fluid extract of foliage and flowers dosed at 10-30 drops 2-3 times daily, flowers tinctured at 1:5 in 70% alcohol at 20-40 drops 2-3 times daily, flower and foliage tea dosed at 3-6 oz. 2-3 times daily. This source does that include what actions come about from ingesting these doses which is important for this variable herb. Another source (Blumenthal) doses as follows: 0.5g of dried herb in 150 mL of water for infusions, 1:1 fluid extract at .5 mL, 1:5 tincture at 2.5 mL, and 60-80 mg of dry extract. This source isn’t clear whether these are the doses per day or for a single administration. Mills and Bone recommends this as typical dosages: 1.5-3 g per day of dried strobile or in a tea, 1.5-3 mL per day of a 1:1 fluid extract, 1.5-3 mL per day of a 1:2 liquid extract or in tablet/capsule form, and 3-6 mL per day of a standard 1:5 tincture. These numbers seem more stable and credible in my opinion. What I conclude is that these are the average doses and administering lower amounts will stimulate the bitter actions associated with digestion, while larger doses provide a sedative and stronger antispasmodic effect for anxiety and insomnia. 6. Current literature:
Kyrou, I., Christou, A., Panagiotakos, D., Stefanaki, C., Skenderi, K., Katsana, K., & Tsigos, C. (2017). Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study. Hormones (Athens). doi:10.14310/horm.2002.1738
This is a randomized study assessing thirty-six 24 and 25 year olds who are seemingly healthy, but tested as having at least mild depression, anxiety, and stress according to the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The researchers used a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled model to see whether Hops would decrease their depression, stress, and anxiety using 2 capsules of .2g dry Hops extract once a day for 4 weeks with a 2 week washout period (cross-over method). The results showed that after 4 weeks of treatments, there was a notable decrease in DASS-21 scores of those that were treated with Humulus lupulus. The placebo showed no difference. Although it should be noted that this herb is not indicated for depression, but to relax hyperactive anxiety and issues associated with that.
Takahashi, K., & Osada, K. (2017). Effect of Dietary Purified Xanthohumol from Hop (Humulus lupulus L.) Pomace on Adipose Tissue Mass, Fasting Blood Glucose Level, and Lipid Metabolism in KK-Ay Mice. Journal of Oleo Science. doi:10.5650/jos.ess16234
This study explores whether xanthohumol, from Humulus lupulus, is active against obesity. An extract was used that contained 91.9% xanthohumol. It was given to mice and it showed that lipid metabolism was regulated appropriately and carbohydrate and intestinal fat absorption was inhibited. Visceral fat weight did not increase and the plasma leptin level was notably lower. According to these results, xanthohumol did exhibit anti-obesity effects.
7. Personal Experiences:
In the Bastyr garden I see the beauty of the climbing vine. The tendrils dancing and enchanting me as I step closer; I pluck a bract off of a strobile to reveal a dusting of bright yellow powder which I knew were the bitter compounds. I eat the whole bract and immediately the bitterness takes over my mouth -- and throat! Not only was it bitter, a few minutes later my throat felt sore and itchy for at least an hour. That experience taught me yet another lesson of respecting the power of plants and their boundaries. I really appreciate Humulus lupulus and the magical medicine she provides. Ease, flow, relaxation, protection, and comfort is what she has brought to me. I created this tincture formula for people that get overwhelming anxiety that is high-strung to the point where they experience affects such as insomnia and stomach aches. Stachys officinalis is acceptable to work in conjunction with Humulus lupulus’ anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and balancing relaxant properties. Since Humulus lupulus is so bitter, the tartness of Hibiscus rosa-sinensis is also a great addition to this formula to balance out the flavor and to provide anti-oxidants. Last but not least, Zingiber officinalis is the driver formula as well as the assistant for the movement and flow of the GI tract. It also increases circulation to move energy out of the head and disperse it more evenly throughout the body. If someone has a hot constitution, use Glycyrrhiza glabra instead.
Get Out of Your Head Tincture Formula 1 part- Hops
1 part- Hibiscus
½ part- Ginger OR Licorice
1 part- Wood Betony
in ~60% EtOH
References:
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Skenderi, G. (2004). Herbal Vade Mecum: 800 Herbs, Spices, Essential Oils, Lipids, etc., Constituents, Properties, Uses, and Caution. Rutherford, NJ: Herbacy Press.
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Elpel, T. J. (2013). Botany In A Day: The Patterns Method of Plant Identification: An Herbal Field Guide to Plant Families of North America. Pony, MT: HOPS Press.
Molly Sheehan. (2014). Green Hope Farm Flower Essences [Brochure]. Author. Retrieved from https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/ghf-images/documents/LongGHFCollectionDescriptions.pdf
Weiss, R. F., M.D. (2001). Weiss’ Herbal Medicine (Classic ed.). Stuttgart: Thieme.
Foster, S. (1996). Herbal Renaissance: Growing, Using & Understanding Herbs in the Modern World. Salt Lake City: Gibbs-Smith Publisher.
Nimmi (n.d.). Hops. Retrieved from http://www.findyourfate.com/astrology/plants/climbers/hops.html
I used this website to read about the astrology of Hops and how it is a bine and not a vine
Blumenthal, M. (2000). Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs (A. Goldberg & J. Brinkmann, Eds.). Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications.
Juanez, J. C. (2011). Hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and Beer: Benefits on the Sleep. Journal of Sleep Disorders & Therapy, 1(1). doi:10.4172/2167-0277.1000e102
Chadwick, L. R., Pauli, G. F., & Farnsworth, N. R. (2006). The Pharmacognosy of Humulus Lupulus L. (Hops) with an Emphasis on Estrogenic Properties . Phytomedicine, 13, 119-131.
Schiller, H., Forster, A., Vonhoff, C., Hegger, M., Biller, A., & Winterhoff, H. (2006). Sedating effects of Humulus lupulus L. extracts. Phytomedicine, 13(8), 535-541. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2006.05.010
Mills, S., & Bone, K. (2016). The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety . St. Louis, Missouri: Churchill Livingstone.
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