Hops

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Botanical Family: Cannabaceae (Hemp family)

Botanical Description

Humulus lupulus is a vigorous climbing perennial whose stems (bines) can grow 6-9 meters in a single season. The rough, 3-lobed leaves grow opposite on the vine. Female plants produce the cone-like “hops” – papery, pale green strobiles containing the medicinal lupulin glands.

Medicinal Actions

Primary actions: Sedative, hypnotic, bitter tonic, estrogenic, antispasmodic.

Traditional uses: Used since ancient times for sleep and relaxation. The sedative effect intensifies with drying/aging. Hop pillows were traditionally used for insomnia. Also used as a digestive bitter.

Estrogenic effects: Hops contain potent phytoestrogens, which accounts for the historical observation that female hop pickers often experienced menstrual changes.

Body Systems Affected

Nervous: Primary affinity – sedative and hypnotic for insomnia, anxiety, restlessness.

Digestive: Bitter tonic; stimulates appetite and digestion.

Reproductive: Phytoestrogenic effects may help menopausal symptoms.

Safety Information

Generally safe for most people.

Depression: Some sources suggest avoiding in depression, though evidence is mixed.

Hormone-sensitive conditions: Due to estrogenic effects, use with caution in hormone-sensitive conditions.

Pregnancy: Avoid due to hormone effects.

Sedatives: May enhance sedative medications.

Growing Guide

Hardiness: Zones 3-8.

Light: Full sun.

Soil: Rich, well-drained soil.

Sowing: Usually grown from rhizome cuttings. Seeds can be sown but are less reliable.

Spacing: 1-2 meters apart. Needs vertical support (4-6 meters high).

Harvesting

Part used: Female flower cones (strobiles).

When to harvest: When cones are papery and aromatic, typically late summer.

Drying & Storage

Dry carefully at 35°C (95°F) to preserve lupulin. Sedative properties increase as hops age and oxidize. Store in airtight containers – fresh hops have limited medicinal value for sleep; aged is better.