Humulus lupulus is a member of the cannabaceae, or hemp family, and was named Hops by the British, which comes from the Anglo-Saxon word hoppan, meaning to climb.
The herb has come along way in history since Henry VIII forbade its use calling it 'a wicked weed that would spoil the taste of the drink and endanger the people’.
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The hops plants grows wild in many parts of the world, although it is officially native to Britain. However the British only began to enjoy the culinary and medicinal properties of the herb in the 17th century, two centuries after its popular use in Dutch ales.
Hops was also said to have made its way on the dinner tables of the Romans, who ate young hops shoots in spring, and on the other side of the Atlantic, it was being administered as a sedative and to relieve toothache by the American Indians.
Parts used
Only the female plant varieties of Hops are cultivated for use since they alone produce fruit. The yellow powdery residue held in translucent glands on the plant’s strobiles (fruits) contain Lupulin, a bitter agent that is responsible for the medicinal properties of Hops, and the extract used in brewing beer.
Herbal preparations often takes the form of a granular, brownish-yellow powder, with the strong odour and bitter aromatic taste characteristic of Hops. The leaves and flower-heads have been used also to produce a fine brown dye.
Active compounds
Two main bitter constituents are found in hops; humulone and lupulone, and the herb also contains about 1-3% volatile oils. Other constituents include:
Bitters
Cholene
Lupamaric Acid (Humulone), bitter principle
Lupamaric Acid (Lupulinic Acid), bitter principle
Resins
Tannic acid
Vegetable mucilage
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What is hops used for?
Insomnia
Anxiety
Nervous tension
Indigestion
Flatulence
Water retention
Irritable bowl syndrome
Blood conditions
Liver conditions
Dosage
Administer as suggested by a herbal practitioner or make a tea using the dried fruit or hops powder. Steep for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking.
Safety
Hops is considered safe for consumptions and there are no known contraindications or potential interactions with other medications, however excessive doses and prolonged use is not recommended and the herb should not be used for severe depression due to its relaxing and sedative properties.
Consult a heath professional should you wish to take this herb during pregnancy or while nursing.
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