null Skip to main content
Herban Herbalist — Solutions That Support Total Wellbeing. Download the free herbal guide app.

Hops

← Back to Materia Medica
Hops Humulus lupulus herb illustration

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Family: Cannabinaceae  |  Parts Used: Flower heads (strobiles)

Hops are climbing vines native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North America, best recognized as a key brewing ingredient, though their medicinal properties extend well beyond beer. The fluffy flower heads contain lupulin, volatile oils, bitter resins, and estrogenic compounds that support nervous system calming. In Western herbalism, hops are used for insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, and headaches, and their bitter compounds also support digestion.

Nervous System Respiratory Digestive Western

Traditional Uses

  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Headaches
  • Bronchitis and bronchial irritation
  • Digestive support via bitter compounds
  • Tension-related discomfort

Properties

Key Constituents

Preparations & Dosage

  • Infusion: 1-2 teaspoons dried herb in 1 cup boiling water, or 1 oz dried herb per pint of water. Take up to 3 times daily.
  • Tincture: 15-30 drops up to 3 times daily.

TCM Profile: Bitter.

Bonnie's Notes

Hops is a bitter-tasting tea. I prefer it tinctured.

Cautions

  • Do not use in cases of depression. The strong sedative action of hops can worsen depressive symptoms.
  • Contains estrogenic compounds. Avoid in hormone-sensitive conditions without medical guidance.
  • May compound the effects of sedative medications. Use with caution if taking sleep aids, anxiolytics, or other CNS depressants.

Habitat & Growing Conditions

Native to Europe, southwestern Asia, and North America. Grows in US zones 5-8. Prefers full sun with moist, sandy loam soil. A vigorous climbing vine that can reach 20+ feet in a single season.

Related Articles

Sources & Research

The New Holistic Herbal, David Hoffmann, p. 206

Today's Herbal Health, Louise Tenney, p. 75

Published Research:

Humulus lupulus and microbes: Exploring biotic causes for hop creep | Food Microbiology (2023)

The Promising Ability of Humulus lupulus L. Iso-alpha-acids vs. Diabetes, Inflammation, and Metabolic Syndrome: A Systematic Review | Molecules (2021)

Resilience of hop (Humulus lupulus L.) to salinity, heat and drought stresses: A mini-review | Frontiers in Plant Science (2022)

Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L | Journal of Ethnopharmacology (2008)

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are under the care of a health care provider or taking prescription medication, check with your provider before using any herbal supplement.

!