14-03-2010, 12:52 PM
All About HOPS
March 9 2006 at 8:05 AM Sunset (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific Names:
Humulus lupulus L. [Cannabaceae]
Forms:
Infusions and extracts of hops strobiles; lupulin extracts from hops grains.
Traditional Usage:
- Anxiety
- Appetite Loss
- Digestive Problems
- Gynecological Aid
- Hyper-excitability
- Insomnia
- Intestinal Cramps
- Menopause
- Nervous Tension
- Restlessness
- Skin Abrasions
- Stress
- Tension Headache
- Ulcers
- Urinary System Conditions
Overview:
The female flowers of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus L. [Cannabaceae], have long been used as a preservative and flavoring ingredient in beer. The cultivation of hops dates back to at least 860 A.D., based on written records. The therapeutic use of hops for treating anxiety, insomnia and restlessness is first noted in Europe in the 9th century. It was introduced in England in the sixteen century but was soon banned by King Henry VIII whose public believed it spoiled the taste of drinks, caused melancholy and endangered the people. Young hops shoots can be eaten but it is the strobiles (oval-shaped, semi-transparent scales otherwise known as hops or hop cones) and grains that are used in medicinal teas and manufacturing beer. Hops are primarily used as a sedative and relaxant. Sleeping on a pillow filled with hops is believed to help insomnia. Although the only confirmed value for hops lies in its use for edginess and insomnia, this herb has also been used traditionally as a bitter to stimulate the appetite, increase the flow of digestive juices, and treat ulcers, skin abrasions, and bladder inflammation. Cherokee healers traditionally used hops as a sedative, antirheumatic, analgesic, gynecological aid for breast and womb problems, and kidney and urinary aid for gravel and inflammation. In India and China hops are recommended for treating restlessness associated with nervous tension, headache, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal cramps and lack of appetite. Hops are now recognized for their strong estrogenic activity and are being included in some herbal preparations for women for "breast enhancement." A recent study found that the main phytoestrogen in hops, 8-Prenylnaringenin, competed strongly with 17ss-estradiol for binding to both the alpha- and ss-estrogen receptors. Another study showed that hops bind competitively to estrogen receptors and up-regulate progesterone receptor mRNA in cultured endometrial cells.
Active Ingredients:
Hop strobiles contain: 5-30% bitter substances including acylphloro-glucides, humulones, lupulones; essential oil containing mono- and sesquiterpenes (myrcene, linalool, farnesene, caryophyllene, etc.; more that 150 aroma substances have been identified; tannins; flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin mono- and diglycosides; xanthohumol and other chalcones. Traces of phenol-carboxylic acids (ferulic and chlorogenic acids. Phytoestrogen flavonoids include: 8-prenylnaringenin, and structurally related hop flavonoids. 6-Prenylnaringenin, 6,8-diprenylnaringenin and 8-geranylnaringenin
At the base of the hop scales are two hard nuts covered in aromatic, yellow glands or grains called lupulin. Lupulin can also be found in the scales but to a lesser degree. To extract lupulin from hops, the strobiles are rubbed and the grains sifted. Bitter substances (acylphloro-glucides) present in the resin make up to 50-80% of the hop grains whereas they make up only 15-30% of the hops strobiles. The resin is differentiated into the light-petroleum-insoluble part (hard resin) and the light-petroleum-soluble part (alpha and beta soft resins). The most important part of the alpha-soft resin is the bitter substance humulone, while the beta-soft resin contains mainly lupulone, another bitter substance.
Suggested Amount:
Tea: Pour (150 ml) of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of cut or powdered strobile or dry extract powder of hops (0.5g per single dosage). Steep 10-15 minutes then strain. Drink infusion 2 or 3 times a day and before going to bed. Other preparations can be taken correspondingly. 1 Teaspoon = 0.4 g.
Drug Interactions:
Combinations of hops infusions with all other sedative drugs can be beneficial; alcoholic extracts of hops, however, should be avoided with sedatives that are known to interact dangerously with alcohol.
Contraindications:
Hops are rich in estrogenic substances and may interfere with pre-existing hormonal therapy. In view of this, hops are contraindicated in the case of breast cancer until further research can determine their potential positive or negative effects.
Side Effects:
May cause dermatitis in some people.
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Sunset
(Login liquidSunset)
EVE MEMBERS Quick review March 10 2006, 10:52 PM
*best known for their use in beer.
*Hops flowers contain the "most potent" phytoestrogen discovered so far:
8-prenylnaringenin.
*While other phytoestrogens range from 1/200 to 1/1000 of the stregth of actual estrogen, 8-prenylnaringnin is about 1/20 the sreghth of estrogen.
*8-P also binds to estradiol receptors
(the receptors that are involved with breast development.
*Hops are a distant relative to marijuana and they have the same calming effects.
*Used today in Germany to treat anxiety.
*know to treat hysteria and insomnia.
*Hops has tonic,diurectic and sedative properties.
SIDE EFFECTS:
drowsiness,constipation and colic.
Edit Message Delete Message
Mrs.Taylor
(Login Mrs.Taylor)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About HOPS March 10 2006, 11:57 PM
HOPS may interact with ALCOHOL
Hops contains substances that promote mild sedation. When hops is used at the same time as alcoholic drinks are consumed, the chance of drowsiness may increase. Excessive sleepiness, slowed breathing, loss of muscle control, and even coma may result. In general, hops should be avoided if alcohol is consumed. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity
Edit Message Delete Message
Sunset
(Login liquidSunset)
EVE MEMBERS thanks to Lisa for this info! March 16 2006, 10:08 PM
Hi everyone, I thought this might be a useful source of information for anyone taking or wanting to take hops, the link if you want to look at it yourself on the website is: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTa...ps,00.html
And I copied it out as well:
Herbs & Supplements
Hops
Other Names: Houblon, Humulus lupulus, Lupulin
Should I take it?
Recently, hops has been included with other herbals in products that are sold for breast enlargement. While hops does contain at least one strong phytoestrogen, the percentages are so small that enormous amounts of hops would have to be consumed on a regular basis to produce any effect. Phytoestrogens are chemicals that act like the female hormone, estrogen, in the body. Clinical and laboratory studies have failed to show that hops has significant estrogenic or breast-enhancing activity.
Another false, but widespread belief is that smoking or snorting hops can create a feeling of euphoria. Although it belongs to the same family of plants that includes marijuana, hops does not contain any of the chemicals that produce marijuana's mind-altering effects.
Due to skin softening effects, hops extract may be included in cosmetics and other topical preparations such as skin creams and lotions. Because it has some preservative properties, it may be used to prolong the time that beverages or foods remain fresh. At various times in history, the young leaves and shoots of hops plants have been eaten as a vegetable; cloth, paper, or twine has been made from its fibrous stems; a brown dye has been derived from its leaves; and the vines have been used to make baskets or furniture. Some preliminary results from recent environmental studies show that shredded hops stems and leaves may be effective in removing lead and other heavy metal contamination from waterways. Hops are most used, however, to flavor beer.
Dosage and Administration
Hops is available as capsules, liquid extracts, tea leaves, and other dosage forms. Directions for use vary considerably. If you decide to take hops, follow the instructions on the label of the package that you purchase.
Summary
The most recognized medical effect of hops may be as a sedative for lessening anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions. It may also have anti-infective activity.
Risks
Taking hops may cause the symptoms of depression to get worse. Due to possible unknown effects, it should be avoided by small children and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Side Effects
Hops may cause drowsiness during the daytime and it may be associated with allergic symptoms in individuals who handle it regularly.
Interactions
Taking hops may increase the sleepiness from sedating drugs and herbals. Sedation may be increased, as well, if hops is taken with certain other types of drugs, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants. Hops may also interfere with the body's ability to use certain allergy, antifungal, cancer, cholesterol-lowering, or contraceptive agents.
Last Revised September 22, 2005
Edit Message Delete Message
Bobi
(no login) IBU scale August 20 2006, 12:26 PM
The IBU scale provides a measure of the bitterness of beer provided by the hops used during brewing — the higher number, the greater the bitterness.
Lght American lager: 5
Coors light: 9
Budweiser: 11
Moosehead Dry: 10-12
Belgian Lambics: 11-23
Blonde ale: 15-30
Kölsch: 18-25
Märzen/Oktoberfest: 18-25
Belgian golden ale: 29-31
Ordinary English bitter: 20-35
Porter: 20-40
Brown ale: 15-25
North American Brown ale: 25-45
Bohemian-style Pilsener: 30-45
India Pale Ale: 40 or higher
American Amber Ale: 53
Irish stout such as Guinness: 45-60
Bass pale ale: 75
Barley wine: 65-100
Stone Ruination IPA: 100+
Dogfish 120 Minute IPA: 200
Edit Message Delete Message
Molly
(Login MollyH)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About HOPS March 16 2008, 2:19 PM
Uses: Hops is used widely to relieve insomnia and related conditions, although very little scientific proof of its effectiveness is available. Results of a few studies in animals are conflicting—with some showing mild sedation and others finding no effect. Results are more promising from a few small studies that tested the combination of hops and valerian in humans. However, valerian is known to promote sleep. Whether hops has any separate sedative effect, whether the addition of hops increased valerian’s effect, or whether hops had no activity is not clear. Much more research is needed before hops can be recommended to treat sleep disturbances.
In a few small laboratory studies, chemicals in hops have demonstrated some potential medical activity. Humulone and lupulone, weak acid components that give hops a bitter taste, also killed certain bacteria or kept them from spreading. These same chemicals may help to prevent the formation of new blood vessels, potentially giving hops some anticancer effects. Hops may also have other protective effects against specific types of cancers. In several small studies of laboratory cultures or animals, hops prevented different kinds of cancer cells from starting, growing, or spreading. Perhaps more significantly, a chemical derived from hops has caused laboratory cultures of leukemia cells to disintegrate. Whether any of these anti-infective and anticancer effects may apply to humans has yet to be determined.
Precautions: Very little information is available on how hops might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its supplemental use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.
Individuals who have major depression are advised to avoid taking hops due to case reports of worsened depression symptoms in some individuals who took hops as a supplement.
Because hops can cause drowsiness, individuals who need to drive or perform other tasks that require alertness should use it cautiously.
Allergies to hops pollen or plants may occur among individuals—including brewers—who work with fresh or dried hops.
Although they are often packaged in combination, hops may cause excessive sedation if it is taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
Catnip
Kava
St. John's Wort
Valerian
No interactions between hops and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as using hops by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.
Should I take it? In folk medicine, hops is best known for its calming effects. Supposedly, during the Dark Ages or earlier, individuals who worked as hops growers, collectors, or handlers were noticed to be more relaxed—even to the point of falling asleep while at work. Hops began to be used as a sedative and sleep aid. Often, pillows were filled with hops stabiles to help individuals get to sleep ad stay asleep. Subsequently, hops gained a reputation for being effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and related conditions. It is still used for sedation, often in combination with other sleep-promoting herbals such as valerian; even though little scientific evidence supports this use.
Recently, hops has been included with other herbals in products that are sold for breast enlargement. While hops does contain at least one strong phytoestrogen, the percentages are so small that enormous amounts of hops would have to be consumed on a regular basis to produce any effect. Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that act like the female hormone, estrogen, in the body. Clinical and laboratory studies have failed to show that hops has significant estrogenic or breast-enhancing activity.
Due to some skin softening effects, hops extract may be included in cosmetics and other topical preparations such as skin creams and lotions. Because it has some preservative properties, it may be used to prolong the time that beverages or foods remain fresh. At various times in history, the young leaves and shoots of hops plants have been eaten as a vegetable; cloth, paper, or twine has been made from its fibrous stems; a brown dye has been derived from its leaves; and the long, tough vines have been used to make baskets or furniture. Some preliminary results from recent environmental studies show that shredded hops stems and leaves may be effective in removing lead and other heavy metal contamination from waterways. Hops are most used, however, to flavor beer.
Dosage and Administration: Hops is available as capsules, liquid extracts, tea leaves, and other dosage forms. Directions for use vary considerably. Individuals who decide to take hops should follow the instructions on the label of the package that is purchased.
Summary: The most recognized, but unsubstantiated, medical effect of hops may be as a sedative for lessening anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions. It may also have some anti-infective or cancer-fighting activity. Taking hops may cause the symptoms of depression to get worse. Due to possible unknown hormonal effects, it should be avoided by small children and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Hops may cause drowsiness during the daytime and it may be associated with allergic symptoms in individuals who handle it regularly.
March 9 2006 at 8:05 AM Sunset (no login)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Scientific Names:
Humulus lupulus L. [Cannabaceae]
Forms:
Infusions and extracts of hops strobiles; lupulin extracts from hops grains.
Traditional Usage:
- Anxiety
- Appetite Loss
- Digestive Problems
- Gynecological Aid
- Hyper-excitability
- Insomnia
- Intestinal Cramps
- Menopause
- Nervous Tension
- Restlessness
- Skin Abrasions
- Stress
- Tension Headache
- Ulcers
- Urinary System Conditions
Overview:
The female flowers of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus L. [Cannabaceae], have long been used as a preservative and flavoring ingredient in beer. The cultivation of hops dates back to at least 860 A.D., based on written records. The therapeutic use of hops for treating anxiety, insomnia and restlessness is first noted in Europe in the 9th century. It was introduced in England in the sixteen century but was soon banned by King Henry VIII whose public believed it spoiled the taste of drinks, caused melancholy and endangered the people. Young hops shoots can be eaten but it is the strobiles (oval-shaped, semi-transparent scales otherwise known as hops or hop cones) and grains that are used in medicinal teas and manufacturing beer. Hops are primarily used as a sedative and relaxant. Sleeping on a pillow filled with hops is believed to help insomnia. Although the only confirmed value for hops lies in its use for edginess and insomnia, this herb has also been used traditionally as a bitter to stimulate the appetite, increase the flow of digestive juices, and treat ulcers, skin abrasions, and bladder inflammation. Cherokee healers traditionally used hops as a sedative, antirheumatic, analgesic, gynecological aid for breast and womb problems, and kidney and urinary aid for gravel and inflammation. In India and China hops are recommended for treating restlessness associated with nervous tension, headache, indigestion, insomnia, intestinal cramps and lack of appetite. Hops are now recognized for their strong estrogenic activity and are being included in some herbal preparations for women for "breast enhancement." A recent study found that the main phytoestrogen in hops, 8-Prenylnaringenin, competed strongly with 17ss-estradiol for binding to both the alpha- and ss-estrogen receptors. Another study showed that hops bind competitively to estrogen receptors and up-regulate progesterone receptor mRNA in cultured endometrial cells.
Active Ingredients:
Hop strobiles contain: 5-30% bitter substances including acylphloro-glucides, humulones, lupulones; essential oil containing mono- and sesquiterpenes (myrcene, linalool, farnesene, caryophyllene, etc.; more that 150 aroma substances have been identified; tannins; flavonoids including kaempferol and quercetin mono- and diglycosides; xanthohumol and other chalcones. Traces of phenol-carboxylic acids (ferulic and chlorogenic acids. Phytoestrogen flavonoids include: 8-prenylnaringenin, and structurally related hop flavonoids. 6-Prenylnaringenin, 6,8-diprenylnaringenin and 8-geranylnaringenin
At the base of the hop scales are two hard nuts covered in aromatic, yellow glands or grains called lupulin. Lupulin can also be found in the scales but to a lesser degree. To extract lupulin from hops, the strobiles are rubbed and the grains sifted. Bitter substances (acylphloro-glucides) present in the resin make up to 50-80% of the hop grains whereas they make up only 15-30% of the hops strobiles. The resin is differentiated into the light-petroleum-insoluble part (hard resin) and the light-petroleum-soluble part (alpha and beta soft resins). The most important part of the alpha-soft resin is the bitter substance humulone, while the beta-soft resin contains mainly lupulone, another bitter substance.
Suggested Amount:
Tea: Pour (150 ml) of boiling water over 1-2 teaspoons of cut or powdered strobile or dry extract powder of hops (0.5g per single dosage). Steep 10-15 minutes then strain. Drink infusion 2 or 3 times a day and before going to bed. Other preparations can be taken correspondingly. 1 Teaspoon = 0.4 g.
Drug Interactions:
Combinations of hops infusions with all other sedative drugs can be beneficial; alcoholic extracts of hops, however, should be avoided with sedatives that are known to interact dangerously with alcohol.
Contraindications:
Hops are rich in estrogenic substances and may interfere with pre-existing hormonal therapy. In view of this, hops are contraindicated in the case of breast cancer until further research can determine their potential positive or negative effects.
Side Effects:
May cause dermatitis in some people.
Edit Message Delete Message Lock Thread Respond to this message
Author Reply
Sunset
(Login liquidSunset)
EVE MEMBERS Quick review March 10 2006, 10:52 PM
*best known for their use in beer.
*Hops flowers contain the "most potent" phytoestrogen discovered so far:
8-prenylnaringenin.
*While other phytoestrogens range from 1/200 to 1/1000 of the stregth of actual estrogen, 8-prenylnaringnin is about 1/20 the sreghth of estrogen.
*8-P also binds to estradiol receptors
(the receptors that are involved with breast development.
*Hops are a distant relative to marijuana and they have the same calming effects.
*Used today in Germany to treat anxiety.
*know to treat hysteria and insomnia.
*Hops has tonic,diurectic and sedative properties.
SIDE EFFECTS:
drowsiness,constipation and colic.
Edit Message Delete Message
Mrs.Taylor
(Login Mrs.Taylor)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About HOPS March 10 2006, 11:57 PM
HOPS may interact with ALCOHOL
Hops contains substances that promote mild sedation. When hops is used at the same time as alcoholic drinks are consumed, the chance of drowsiness may increase. Excessive sleepiness, slowed breathing, loss of muscle control, and even coma may result. In general, hops should be avoided if alcohol is consumed. Discuss this potential interaction with your healthcare provider at your next appointment, or sooner if you think you are having problems.
This interaction is poorly documented and is considered moderate in severity
Edit Message Delete Message
Sunset
(Login liquidSunset)
EVE MEMBERS thanks to Lisa for this info! March 16 2006, 10:08 PM
Hi everyone, I thought this might be a useful source of information for anyone taking or wanting to take hops, the link if you want to look at it yourself on the website is: http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/HerbsTa...ps,00.html
And I copied it out as well:
Herbs & Supplements
Hops
Other Names: Houblon, Humulus lupulus, Lupulin
Should I take it?
Recently, hops has been included with other herbals in products that are sold for breast enlargement. While hops does contain at least one strong phytoestrogen, the percentages are so small that enormous amounts of hops would have to be consumed on a regular basis to produce any effect. Phytoestrogens are chemicals that act like the female hormone, estrogen, in the body. Clinical and laboratory studies have failed to show that hops has significant estrogenic or breast-enhancing activity.
Another false, but widespread belief is that smoking or snorting hops can create a feeling of euphoria. Although it belongs to the same family of plants that includes marijuana, hops does not contain any of the chemicals that produce marijuana's mind-altering effects.
Due to skin softening effects, hops extract may be included in cosmetics and other topical preparations such as skin creams and lotions. Because it has some preservative properties, it may be used to prolong the time that beverages or foods remain fresh. At various times in history, the young leaves and shoots of hops plants have been eaten as a vegetable; cloth, paper, or twine has been made from its fibrous stems; a brown dye has been derived from its leaves; and the vines have been used to make baskets or furniture. Some preliminary results from recent environmental studies show that shredded hops stems and leaves may be effective in removing lead and other heavy metal contamination from waterways. Hops are most used, however, to flavor beer.
Dosage and Administration
Hops is available as capsules, liquid extracts, tea leaves, and other dosage forms. Directions for use vary considerably. If you decide to take hops, follow the instructions on the label of the package that you purchase.
Summary
The most recognized medical effect of hops may be as a sedative for lessening anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions. It may also have anti-infective activity.
Risks
Taking hops may cause the symptoms of depression to get worse. Due to possible unknown effects, it should be avoided by small children and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
Side Effects
Hops may cause drowsiness during the daytime and it may be associated with allergic symptoms in individuals who handle it regularly.
Interactions
Taking hops may increase the sleepiness from sedating drugs and herbals. Sedation may be increased, as well, if hops is taken with certain other types of drugs, such as anticonvulsants and tricyclic antidepressants. Hops may also interfere with the body's ability to use certain allergy, antifungal, cancer, cholesterol-lowering, or contraceptive agents.
Last Revised September 22, 2005
Edit Message Delete Message
Bobi
(no login) IBU scale August 20 2006, 12:26 PM
The IBU scale provides a measure of the bitterness of beer provided by the hops used during brewing — the higher number, the greater the bitterness.
Lght American lager: 5
Coors light: 9
Budweiser: 11
Moosehead Dry: 10-12
Belgian Lambics: 11-23
Blonde ale: 15-30
Kölsch: 18-25
Märzen/Oktoberfest: 18-25
Belgian golden ale: 29-31
Ordinary English bitter: 20-35
Porter: 20-40
Brown ale: 15-25
North American Brown ale: 25-45
Bohemian-style Pilsener: 30-45
India Pale Ale: 40 or higher
American Amber Ale: 53
Irish stout such as Guinness: 45-60
Bass pale ale: 75
Barley wine: 65-100
Stone Ruination IPA: 100+
Dogfish 120 Minute IPA: 200
Edit Message Delete Message
Molly
(Login MollyH)
EVE MEMBERS Re: All About HOPS March 16 2008, 2:19 PM
Uses: Hops is used widely to relieve insomnia and related conditions, although very little scientific proof of its effectiveness is available. Results of a few studies in animals are conflicting—with some showing mild sedation and others finding no effect. Results are more promising from a few small studies that tested the combination of hops and valerian in humans. However, valerian is known to promote sleep. Whether hops has any separate sedative effect, whether the addition of hops increased valerian’s effect, or whether hops had no activity is not clear. Much more research is needed before hops can be recommended to treat sleep disturbances.
In a few small laboratory studies, chemicals in hops have demonstrated some potential medical activity. Humulone and lupulone, weak acid components that give hops a bitter taste, also killed certain bacteria or kept them from spreading. These same chemicals may help to prevent the formation of new blood vessels, potentially giving hops some anticancer effects. Hops may also have other protective effects against specific types of cancers. In several small studies of laboratory cultures or animals, hops prevented different kinds of cancer cells from starting, growing, or spreading. Perhaps more significantly, a chemical derived from hops has caused laboratory cultures of leukemia cells to disintegrate. Whether any of these anti-infective and anticancer effects may apply to humans has yet to be determined.
Precautions: Very little information is available on how hops might affect a developing fetus, an infant, or a small child. Therefore, its supplemental use is not recommended during pregnancy, while breast-feeding, or during early childhood.
Individuals who have major depression are advised to avoid taking hops due to case reports of worsened depression symptoms in some individuals who took hops as a supplement.
Because hops can cause drowsiness, individuals who need to drive or perform other tasks that require alertness should use it cautiously.
Allergies to hops pollen or plants may occur among individuals—including brewers—who work with fresh or dried hops.
Although they are often packaged in combination, hops may cause excessive sedation if it is taken with other potentially sedating herbs such as:
Catnip
Kava
St. John's Wort
Valerian
No interactions between hops and foods have been reported, but drinking alcohol at the same time as using hops by mouth may result in increased drowsiness.
Should I take it? In folk medicine, hops is best known for its calming effects. Supposedly, during the Dark Ages or earlier, individuals who worked as hops growers, collectors, or handlers were noticed to be more relaxed—even to the point of falling asleep while at work. Hops began to be used as a sedative and sleep aid. Often, pillows were filled with hops stabiles to help individuals get to sleep ad stay asleep. Subsequently, hops gained a reputation for being effective in treating anxiety, insomnia, restlessness, and related conditions. It is still used for sedation, often in combination with other sleep-promoting herbals such as valerian; even though little scientific evidence supports this use.
Recently, hops has been included with other herbals in products that are sold for breast enlargement. While hops does contain at least one strong phytoestrogen, the percentages are so small that enormous amounts of hops would have to be consumed on a regular basis to produce any effect. Phytoestrogens are plant chemicals that act like the female hormone, estrogen, in the body. Clinical and laboratory studies have failed to show that hops has significant estrogenic or breast-enhancing activity.
Due to some skin softening effects, hops extract may be included in cosmetics and other topical preparations such as skin creams and lotions. Because it has some preservative properties, it may be used to prolong the time that beverages or foods remain fresh. At various times in history, the young leaves and shoots of hops plants have been eaten as a vegetable; cloth, paper, or twine has been made from its fibrous stems; a brown dye has been derived from its leaves; and the long, tough vines have been used to make baskets or furniture. Some preliminary results from recent environmental studies show that shredded hops stems and leaves may be effective in removing lead and other heavy metal contamination from waterways. Hops are most used, however, to flavor beer.
Dosage and Administration: Hops is available as capsules, liquid extracts, tea leaves, and other dosage forms. Directions for use vary considerably. Individuals who decide to take hops should follow the instructions on the label of the package that is purchased.
Summary: The most recognized, but unsubstantiated, medical effect of hops may be as a sedative for lessening anxiety, insomnia, and related conditions. It may also have some anti-infective or cancer-fighting activity. Taking hops may cause the symptoms of depression to get worse. Due to possible unknown hormonal effects, it should be avoided by small children and pregnant or breast-feeding women. Hops may cause drowsiness during the daytime and it may be associated with allergic symptoms in individuals who handle it regularly.