HOPS

(Humulus lupulus; CANNABINACEAE; MORACEAE; URTICACEAE)

Part used:

Fruit or strobiles (cones, catkins).

Therapeutic action:

Nervine (sedative), tonic, anodyne, cholagogue, diuretic (lithotriptic), stimulant, anthelmintic, stomachic, febrifuge, aperient, alterative, feeble hypnotic, somewhat diaphoretic, astringent and anaphrodisiac.

Hops is a powerful, stimulating and relaxing nerve tonic. It increases heart action and capillary circulation, yet will produce soothing slumber in nervous and excited cerebral conditions. Hops is beneficial in affections of the throat bronchi, and chest. The stomachic tonic effects are due to an 11% crystalline bitter principle and lupulin acid (lupulite); the primary stimulant and secondary sedative effects are due to a 2% content of volatile oil and lupulin. Hops increase the flow of urine and dissolves calculi, and with certain liver problems (such as jaundice), its alterative property relieves the secreting glands by increasing the flow of bile and toning up the organ. Hops has a relaxing influence upon the liver and gall ducts, and is aperient to the bowels. Hops is able to reduce inflammation and relieve accompanying pain.

Medicinal uses:

Nervous conditions, sleeplessness, chorea, dyspepsia, debility, atony, worms, tremors of delirium, hysteria, calculi, irritable bladder, bronchitis, liver problems, excessive sexual desires, puritis, nymphomania, painful erection in gonorrhea, rheumatism, inflammation, neuralgia, gathered breasts (mastitis), boils, abscesses, tumors, ulcers, toothache, and earache.

Preparation:

Fluid extract, infusion, powder, and tincture.