Herbs & Supplements:
Hops
Humulus lupulus
Principal Proposed Uses
•
Anxiety, Insomnia, Digestive Problems
Hops (the fruiting bodies of the hop plant) are most famous as the source of
beers bitter flavor, but they have a long history of use in herbal medicine as
well. In Greece and Rome, hops were used as a remedy for poor digestion and
intestinal disturbances. The Chinese used the herb for these purposes as well as
to treat leprosy and tuberculosis.
As cultivation of hops for beer spread through Europe, it gradually became
obvious that workers in hop fields tended to fall asleep on the job, more so
than could be explained by the tedium of the work. This observation led to
enthusiasm for using hops as a sedative. However, subsequent investigation
suggests that much of the sedative effect seen in hop fields is due to an oil
that evaporates quickly in storage.
Despite the absence of this oil, dried hop preparations do appear to be
somewhat calming. While the exact reason is not clear, it seems that a sedating
substance known as methylbutenol develops in the dried herb over a period of
time.1 It may also be manufactured in the body from other
constituents of dried hops.
What Are Hops Used for Today?
Germany's Commission E authorizes the use of hops for "discomfort due to restlessness or anxiety and sleep disturbances." However, scientists have had difficulty proving that hops cause sedation.2 Because its sedative effect is mild at most, the herb is often combined with other treatments for anxiety and insomnia.
Like other bitter plants, hops are also used to improve appetite and digestion.
Dosage
The standard dosage of hops is 0.5 g taken 1 to 3 times daily.
Safety Issues
Hops are believed to be nontoxic. However, as with all herbs, some people are
allergic to them. Interestingly, some species of dogs, greyhounds in particular,
appear to be sensitive to hops with reports of deaths occurring.3 The
mechanism of this toxicity is not yet known. Those taken with the popular hobby
of brewing beer at home are advised to keep pets away from the relatively large
quantity of hops used in this process.
One animal study suggests that hops might increase the
effect of sedative drugs,4
so do not take hops with other medications for insomnia
or anxiety except under a physician's supervision.
Interactions You Should Know About
If you are taking sedative drugs, do
not take hops except under a physician's supervision.
View References
Last reviewed March 2002 by Medical Review Board
Back to Top
