Hops        

Botanical: Humulus Lupulus (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Urticaceae

Hops is the subject of a German Commission E monograph, which found this herb effective for treating sleep disorders and mood problems.  

The American Botanical Council provided us with a summary article, which in confirming the effectiveness of Hops for a variety of indications. These include antispasmodic effects on “smooth muscles”, “to promote sleep”, “for restlessness, other nervous conditions and lack of appetite.”

Daniel B. Mowrey, Ph.D. in his book, Herbal Tonic Therapies, points out that Hops are used “as a mild sedative and sleeping aid”, and that these indications have been “verified with good experimental procedures.”  “Generally, a soothing relaxing calm is experienced within 20 to 40 minutes after ingesting the herb”.  Hops also have “antispasmodic activity”, and “help in the treatment of sleep disorders.” 

Feather Jones, a clinical herbalist, in her book, Medicinal Herb Handbook, describes Hops as a “safe sedative to promote sleep and control nervousness and nervous stomach problems related to faulty starch digestion and as . . . a mild pain killer.”

   Elements of Health summarizes the known uses of Hops as “good for nervousness, restlessness, pain, stress, toothaches, earaches, circulation, muscle cramps.”

   A prominent herbalist, David Litell, concludes that Hops have a positive effect on the liver and lungs.

  A prominent herbalist, Joanne Snow, reports that Hops have “spasmolytic, aromatic bitter, and sedative” effects.  It is used to “treat lack of appetite, restlessness, and disorders of sleep”.

FDA has permitted claims that Hops “naturally promotes relaxation” and “exerts calming effects, thereby inducing rest.”