Semester 4, Week 5, Day 3

The new herb today is hops.  Yes, it is FAR more than just an ingredient in beer.  I have fed the kids.  I'm still trying to decide what I want to eat.  I'll get there when I get done typing this.  I already have diapers washing. Dishes are clean. I'm listening to a very profound video on spirituality. I think this day has started off pretty well.  The kids have only fought a little bit.  Sadly, it's always my daughter who starts it because she takes toys away from her brother and he gets upset then she pushes him...  They are happily playing now which makes me happy.  I wish every day could start with such positivity!  Time for me to go get some salad or something.  Carrots for sure...  Love and Light!

On to Hops!

Constituents: Humulene and lupulinic acid, both of which are anti-bacterial and are bitters. Volatile essential oil made up of sesquiterpene, humulene, myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and farnescene. Choline is a b-Vitamin and regulates the liver. Asparagine is diuretic demulcent. Tannin, resin, and valerianic acid she says is formed during storage. Phenolic acids (caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid). Flavonoids: phytoestrogen, 8-prenylnaringenin (this second one here is estrogenic).  In the U.S., lupulin (the pollen substance) is considered separate and has bitter principles and essential oils with give it a sedative action and stomachic action (Petersen, 2018, p. 155-6).  Hoffman (2003) has quite a few more on page 557. Chevallier (20160 says bitter principles (lupulin – humulon (antiseptic), lupulon (antiseptic), valerianic acid), volatile oil (humulene), flavonoids, polyphenolic tannins, and estrogenic substances (p. 104). Heinerman (1996) says humulone (I think some add an “e”) and lupulon (p. 275).  Mills & Bone (2010) says bitter resinoid principles, essential oil (myrcene, humulene, caryophyliene, and 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol. It also contains chalcone xanthohumol, phyto-oestrogenic constituents (b-prenylnaringenin) and other flavonoids and tannins (p. 468).

Therapeutic Actions: Petersen (2018) says alterative, anodyne, anthelmintic, antibacterial, antibiotic, antiproliferative, antirheumatic, aphrodisiac, bitter, cardiac depressant, demulcent, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, hepatic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, soporific, stomachic, and tonic (p. 156).  Hoffman (2003) also has it listed as an antimicrobial. Chevallier (2016) says sedative, soporific, antispasmodic, and aromatic bitter (p. 104). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say sedative and soporific (p. 264). Mills & Bone (2010) says mild sedative, hypnotic, spasmolytic, and aromatic bitter (p. 468).

Indications: This herb is great for insomnia, boils, bruises, dyspepsia, excitability, earache, fevers, flatulence, hyperactivity, indigestion, infections, insomnia, kidney problems, sluggish liver, mucus colitis, nerve strain, nervousness, neuralgia, over acidity, painful swelling, premenstrual tension, restlessness associated with nervous tension headache or indigestion, rheumatic pain, toothache, worms, ulcers. Safe enough to use with babies and children to induce relaxation or sleep (p. 157). Chevallier (2016) says this herb is mostly used for it’s sedative effects, a sachet used under the pillow for insomnia, it reduces irritability and restlessness. He says the indications relating to tension should be blended with other herbs but not to use this if depression is present for those indications. He does add asthma and menstrual pain as well as aiding digestion, stomach secretions, relaxing spasms and colic (p. 104). Weiss & Fintelmann (2000) say insomnia, nervous gastropathy, sexual neuroses, wet dreams, premature ejaculation and an anaphrodisiac in men (p. 266).  Heinermann (1996) says leprosy, pulmonary tuberculosis and acute bacterial dysentery as well as staph infections, dandruff, insomnia, and nervousness (p. 276).  Mills & Bone (2010) says nervous tension, anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia (p. 468).

Safety/Contraindication: May enhance the effect of sedatives though Commission E lists no side effects (Petersen, 2018, p. 157). Do not use in people with depression or while using alcohol (Hoffman, 2003). Mills & Bone (2010) say the herb is safe but consult a professional before use in pregnancy (p. 468).

Have a Great Day!