Cannabaceae
Hops
Humulus lupulus
✓ Generally Safe
Caution in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North America
Also known as: Common Hop, Hop Plant
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Flower
Therapeutic Uses
Insomnia (particularly sleep onset — excellent combined with valerian), anxiety, nervous tension, restlessness, IBS (antispasmodic), menopausal hot flushes, digestive bitters.
Herbal Actions
Sedative, hypnotic, anxiolytic, bitter tonic, antispasmodic, estrogenic (8-prenylnaringenin — strongest phytoestrogen known)
Active Constituents
Bitter acids: humulone, lupulone (alpha/beta acids), 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (formed from methylbutenol during storage), prenylated flavonoids (xanthohumol, isoxanthohumol, 8-prenylnaringenin)
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried hops per 250ml, steep 10 min, 30–60 min before bed |
| Tincture | 2–4 ml (1:5, 45% ethanol), 1–3x daily |
| Notes | Most effective for insomnia in combination with valerian (several RCTs). Hop pillow (stuff pillowcase with dried hops) traditional remedy. Hops go stale quickly — use fresh (green/yellow, not brown). |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Caution in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Avoid with CNS depressants (additive sedation). Caution in hormone-sensitive cancers (estrogenic). Avoid in depression (may worsen). Not recommended in pregnancy.
Side Effects: Sedation (do not drive after use). Contact dermatitis in hop pickers. Paradoxical restlessness in rare cases.