Materia Medica:Hops
Société Apothecary
Hops: Materia Medica More than a bittering agent for beer, Hops is a deeply calming and slightly hypnotic herb with centuries of use in European and American herbal traditions. It relaxes the nervous system, soothes digestive tension, and gently sedates—perfect for frayed nerves, restless nights, and heated conditions. “Hops invites the body to release and the mind to soften—cooling the fire and easing tension with bitter grace.” MATERIA MEDICA Latin Binomial: Humulus lupulus Common Name(s): Hops, Common Hops TCM Name: Lü Cao Ayurvedic Name: Not traditionally used; energetically similar to bitter sedatives Family: Cannabaceae (Hemp family) Physical Description of the Plant: A vigorous climbing perennial with rough stems and heart-shaped leaves. Female plants produce cone-like flowers (strobiles), which contain aromatic resins and essential oils. Habitat: Native to Europe, Western Asia, and North America. Grows along hedgerows, riverbanks, and cultivated trellises in temperate zones. Harvest and Collection: Female flower cones are harvested in late summer when aromatic and sticky. Dried promptly to prevent mold and preserve resins. Parts of the Plant Used: Female cones (flowers/strobiles) Qualities: Bitter, aromatic Energetics: Cooling, drying, relaxing Chemical Constituents: Essential oils (myrcene, humulene, caryophyllene) Bitter acids (humulone, lupulone) Flavonoids Phytoestrogens (8-prenylnaringenin) Tannins Resins Actions: Sedative Nervine relaxant Hypnotic (mild) Antispasmodic Digestive bitter Antimicrobial Estrogenic (mild) Indications: Insomnia (especially from anxiety or nervous exhaustion) Restlessness and irritability Nervous stomach, indigestion, or cramping Premenstrual tension or menopausal discomfort Mild tension headaches Loss of appetite Diagnostic Picture: Hops fits a “hot and tense” pattern—restless mind, tight gut, irritable mood, or sleepless nights. Best when there’s overexcitement or anxiety with digestive disturbance or hormonal imbalance. Contraindications/Cautions: Avoid in depression with lethargy or low motivation (can worsen symptoms) Avoid in estrogen-sensitive conditions (e.g., certain breast cancers) Not for use in pregnancy unless under professional guidance May cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals Drug Interactions: May enhance effects of sedatives, hypnotics, or alcohol Caution with hormone therapies or SSRIs Dosage: Infusion (Tea): 1–2 tsp dried strobiles per cup; steep 10 minutes; 1–2x/day Tincture: 2–4 mL, up to 3x daily or at bedtime Capsules: 300–500 mg dried hops; taken before sleep Pillow Sachet: Dried hops placed under pillow to aid sleep Combinations: With Valerian or Passionflower for insomnia With Skullcap or Chamomile for anxiety and muscle tension With Fennel or Ginger for bitter digestive blends With Motherwort or Black Cohosh for menopausal support Folklore: In old European herbalism, hops were associated with sleep and dreamwork. Herbal pillows were filled with hops to induce restful sleep. Monks grew hops not only for beer but also for calming nervous agitation. Its bitter nature made it a sacred plant for purification and release. Applications: Drink as a tea or take tincture to promote calm, settle digestion, and support hormone balance. Topically or aromatically used for stress relief. Hops is ideal for bedtime blends and emotional release rituals. Recipes: Bedtime Tea Hops Chamomile Skullcap Steep 1 tbsp blend per cup; drink 30–60 minutes before sleep Digestive Bitters Hops Gentian Fennel Take 15 minutes before meals to enhance digestion Hormone Soothe Tincture Hops Motherwort Dong Quai Used for menopausal restlessness and hot flashes Dream Pillow Hops Lavender Mugwort Place in a cloth sachet under your pillow for peaceful sleep and vivid dreams Scientific Research: Hops has been studied for its sedative, antimicrobial, and estrogenic effects. Clinical studies support its use in sleep aid formulations, often in combination with valerian. The bitter acids also stimulate digestion and have shown antimicrobial activity in vitro. References: Hoffmann, D. “Medical Herbalism” Mills & Bone “Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy” BHP and Commission E Monographs PubMed articles on Humulus lupulus Eclectic and folk traditions Check out our products with Hops ! Three Hops Recipes to Try at Home Hops Sleepy Time Tea 1 teaspoon dried hops flowers 1 teaspoon dried chamomile flowers 1 teaspoon dried lemon balm leaves 1 cup boiling water Honey or lemon, to taste Combine the hops, chamomile, and lemon balm in a small teapot or heatproof container. Pour the boiling water over the herbs and cover. Let steep for 10-15 minutes, then strain into a mug. Sweeten with honey or add a slice of lemon if desired. Sip slowly before bedtime to promote restful sleep. Hops Infused Oil 1 cup dried hops flowers 1 cup carrier oil (e.g., olive or sweet almond oil) Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid Place the dried hops flowers in a clean, dry glass jar. Pour the carrier oil over the hops, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the jar tightly and place it in a sunny spot for 2-3 weeks, shaking gently every few days. After infusing, strain the oil through a fine mesh strainer or cheesecloth into a clean bottle. Use this calming oil for massage or as a relaxing bath oil. Hops and Honey Face Mask 2 tablespoons dried hops flowers, ground 1 tablespoon raw honey 1 tablespoon plain yogurt In a small bowl, mix the ground hops flowers with the honey and yogurt until you achieve a smooth paste. Apply the mixture evenly to your cleansed face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with warm water. Pat your skin dry and follow with your favorite moisturizer. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before incorporating new herbal remedies into your routine.