Hops, Humulus lupulus

By Cynthia Killingbeck CH, CN, FEP

Humulus lupulus is an extremely bitter tonic, cold, dry, relaxant, and sedative. The bitter taste makes it difficult to drink in an infusion. It is best in a formula. With heavy use it can cause depression. Hops are very hypnotic, meaning it can help you sleep, so much so that we warn against operating machinery or driving while taking it. It has an anodyne (pain relief) affect, and it is antispasmodic which can help with painful arthritis in ointments. It has antibacterial and anti- fungal qualities as well.

According to Hatfield, a British Botanical Practitioner, of the 1880’s, “As an anodyne application, it is difficult to find anything more suitable for employment than Hop; it removes pain, and allays inflammation in so short a time, that for these purposes it forms an invaluable agent.”

The principal uses:

• Take as an infusion or tincture for nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, minor spastic conditions of the genitourinary tract, dysmenorrhea, and hyperactive sexual desires.
• For Skin Conditions (eruptions, swellings, tumors), use topically as an anodyne for arthritis in ointments, compresses, poultices, and washes.
• Sleep may also be induced aromatically through the use of a hop stuffed pillow. 

Early Fall is the best time to harvest Hop flowers. We are entering a time of the year when greenery from outside is brought inside to remind us of the living green of nature. In the cold of winter, it is comforting and warming to have green plants inside to remind us of the coming future promise of the return of spring.  As a decorative greenery in Britain’s pubs and houses alike, it is dried and hung in windows and above the hearths for good luck and prosperity. I make a wreath for my house every year and for Herbs & Arts. When harvesting and drying be sure to use a paper bag or drying screen with good air flow in a cool dark place. Hop flowers turn brown easily and lose their efficacy when drying if not done with care.

In the Middle Ages monks understood that large quantities of hops would inhibit sexual desire, the Pope decreed that all beer would be made with hops to prevent the straying of the monastic flock. The lowering of the libido effect may be due to the depression that heavy use could cause or to the sedating effects or both. So, they added them to the beer that was drunk everywhere instead of water due to the illnesses attributed to drinking water. Beer brewed in the Middle Ages was much weaker than the beer drunk today. 

Humulus was originally a Medieval word that was Latinized meaning to climb, while lupulus is Latin for small wolf, referring to the plant's tendency to strangle other plants, mainly willows, like a wolf strangles a sheep. Interestingly the stamen inside the flower looks a little like a wolf head when you look at it straight on. The Hop plant grows so fast you can almost see it happening, it seeks to wind itself up any support and will find a way even if it has to twine multiple vines together to reach a long distance. It has little spines on the stems and will scratch you and leave you itchy sore for days. It doesn’t sting like nettle it is an actual scratch. The flowers keep their scent for only a couple of months, but it is a heady smell. Hops smell similar to Cannibis but do not contain cannabinoids however, they share a chemical component, the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which directly interacts with the endocannabinoid system by activating receptors in the immune system. This interaction allows them to influence the endocannabinoid system by promoting anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, much like cannabinoids found in cannabis. In the winter, the plant dies back to the earth and keeps the roots warm in the earth until spring. Be mindful of where you place it for it will spread with a determined vigor.  

The Flower Essence of Hop is focused on wisdom, relaxed tenaciousness and the flow of growth. It enables you to find emotional strength, constancy and stability in supporting your inner self where you need it most. Visualize your inner vines twining together to support you higher and higher as you gain support to grow…

Caution: Due to its strong sedative qualities hops may cause depression, do not use if depression is already present, do not combine them with any sedative medications or alcohol. Best if used in a formula. Do not exceed suggested doses, and do not use long term. Hops when taken for sleep support may cause lethargy in the morning. Not recommended for driving or operating dangerous equipment.