Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a member of the Cannabinaceae family, native to Northern Hemisphere Temperate Regions, Europe And Asia, and North America. Traditionally, its resin, stems, and bark have been used for infusions, decoctions, and tinctures.

This herb is particularly valued for its bitter, diuretic, and antispasmodic actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and japanese kampo medicine.

Hops (Humulus lupulus) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Hops (Humulus lupulus) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Hops
Scientific Name	Humulus lupulus
Plant Family	Cannabinaceae
Genus	Humulus
Species	lupulus
Native Range	Northern Hemisphere Temperate Regions, Europe And Asia, North America
Plant Parts Used	Resin, Stems, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Bitter, Diuretic, Antispasmodic
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Infusion, Decoction, Tincture

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus
Common Name: Hops
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Humulus, Hop Plant, Lupulus
Plant Family: Cannabinaceae
Genus: Humulus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 1 to 3 meters.
Leaves: Laminae with stomatal bands on the lower surface, upper surface glabrous, lower surface pubescent.
Flowers: Inflorescences composed of clustered flowers with yellow to orange-red coloration, actinomorphic symmetry, and five ovate to lanceolate petals with distinct midveins.
Stems: Arises from rhizomes with nodes and internodes, bearing opposite, sparsely hairy, terete, and slightly ribbed stems that are generally ascending to erect.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine
Japanese Kampo Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Infusion
Decoction
Tincture
Powder

Medicinal Actions

Bitter: As described in traditional systems, a warming bitter, in bitter herb groupings.
Diuretic: In herbal literature, noted as a soothing diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.
Antispasmodic: Traditionally described as a cooling antispasmodic, in spasm-related situations.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal texts, considered a mild anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Terpenoid: A large class of naturally occurring compounds derived from isoprene units.
Essential Oil: Volatile plant-derived substances commonly present in leaves and flowers.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: The use of this herb may warrant general caution in certain situations.
Contraindications: Some conditions have been cited as contraindications for the use of this herb.
Allergies: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb commonly causes allergic reactions.
Drug Interactions: There is insufficient evidence to determine whether this herb interacts with pharmaceutical drugs.
Toxicity: This herb has been associated with toxic effects under certain conditions.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Information addressing pregnancy and breastfeeding-related safety for this herb is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: A preparation method involving steeping plant material in heated water for a short period.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: A topical preparation made by applying softened plant material externally.
Tincture: This method preserves plant compounds using an alcohol-based solution.
Extract: A preparation involving the separation of plant constituents without alcohol.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with moderately well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in high organic matter soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in full sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.