Humulus lupulus
Jekkapedia
Humulus lupulus, Hops
Family: Cannabaceae
Genus: Humulus
This herb is dioecious with male and female flowers growing on separate plants. Pale green flowers, the female flower is cone like and hidden by paper-like scales. The green leaves have three to five lopes with sharply toothed edges. Culinary and Medicinal.
Characteristics:
Hops can be seen at the herb farm in Jekka’s Herbetum and is available to buy as herb plants.
Details
Growing
Medicinal
A member of the cannabis family, the dried female flowers (called strobiles) of the hop plant are widely used in a number of ways. Hops were first used to brew beer in the 16th century where their bitter taste was seen as a tonic for strengthening and stimulating the digestion. Traditionally used in a variety of ways, including hop pillows, they are said to reduce tension, promote relaxation and aid restful sleep and relaxation through a sedative action.
Hops have also been used to reduce inflammation and painful spasms in the bowel, and to treat coughs and upper respiratory infections. Hops are seen as having oestrogenic actions and are thought to be of value in regulating female periods, easing menopausal symptoms and enhancing breast milk production.
Caution: Avoid use with sedative medications. May increase the severity of symptoms in those with clinical depression. Herbal medicines containing hops should be avoided in those with oestrogen sensitive cancers such as breast, ovarian, uterus or endometrium as they may stimulate tumour growth.
Please note: The information provided here is for educational interest only and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat significant health problems. Any serious or long-term health concerns should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
See our blog for more information about the National Institute of Medical Herbalists
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