Hops are best known as the preservative and flavoring used to make beer. However, Hops have also been used by herbalists for centuries to reduce nervous tension. Hops act as a natural sedative to calm the nerves and reduce stress and anxiety, and they also promote a good night's rest by counter-acting the effects of sleeplessness and insomnia.
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Viable Herbal Solutions is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
History and Uses:
Hops grow throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and they belong to the same group of plants as the stinging nettle. The word, Hops, is derived from hoppan, which means "to climb," in reference to the fact that Hops grow as a climbing vine. Ancient Hebrews used Hops to deter the spread of plague, which we now believe to have been Bubonic plague. Hops gained acceptance in England as an ingredient in beer and as a medicinal herb in seventeenth century. Hops gives beer its distinctive taste and prevents bacterial growth. For centuries, it has also been considered valuable as a food, whereby the young shoots have been eaten like asparagus in many countries. American Indians made a sedative from the blossoms, and they also applied heated, dried flowers to relieve toothaches. The hormonal effects of Hops were noticed when female gatherers of the plants experienced their menstrual cycles early. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include humulone, lupulinic acid, bitter principle (lupulin), essential oil, valerianic acid, flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin), choline, phytoestrogens and tannin. Hops are rich in vitamin C and B-complex, and they also contain various minerals. Many herbal preparations for insomnia combine Hops with more potent sedative herbs, such as valerian. Hops tea is recommended for conditions of nervous diarrhea, insomnia and restlessness. The herb can also help to stimulate appetite, dispel flatulenc, and relieve intestinal cramps. Hops can be usefully combined with valerian for coughs and nervous spasmodic conditions, and a cold tea of Hops, taken an hour before meals, is particularly good for digestion. Hops also have diuretic properties and can be taken for various problems with water retention and excess uric acid. Hops can be made into a sachet and placed in one's pillowcase as a sleeping aid and nightmare preventative.
Recommended Dosage:
Take two (2) Capsules, two (2) to three (3) times each day with water at mealtimes.
Contraindications:
Pregnant women should not take Hops, nor should people who suffer from depression, since the herb is thought to be a mild depressant on the higher nerve centers. Do not exceed recommended doses, and Hops should not be taken for more than a few days in succession. Since there appears to be estrogenic activity in Hops, it is recommended that the herb not be taken in combination with medicines such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy; and children who have not reached puberty should not take Hops. Women with estrogen-sensitive disorders, especially estrogen dependent breast cancer should avoid this herb. Use of Hops increases the potency of anesthetics, anxiety drugs, anticonvulsives and insomnia medications and should not be taken without first consulting a physician.
Do not use Hops if you drink alcohol or use medicines containing alcohol.
Capsule Information:
Our Hops supplements are encapsulated in 100% Gluten-free, Vegetable Cellulose, Certified Kosher, size "00" Capsules. (click here for size comparison) Each capsule contains approximately 600 mgs. |
