Hops

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. It may also be manufactured in the body from other constituents of dried hops.

Germanys 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. 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.

The standard dosage of hops is 0.5 g taken 1 to 3 times daily.

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. 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, so do not take hops with other medications for insomnia or anxiety except under a physician's supervision.

If you are taking sedative drugs, do not take hops except under a physician's supervision.