"cone shaped" flowers on a vine - hops

Hops

English Name: Hops

Scientific Name: Humulus lupulus

Type: Herbal and Homeopathic

What is Hops?

Hops are the dried, flowering part of the hop plant, Humulus lupulus. An herbal extract is typically made from these flowers, or "cones." They contain active compounds, such as humulone and lupulone, which have mild sedative effects that can help support relaxation, calm stress, and even improve sleep quality. Hops has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Traditionally, hops were used in teas and tinctures, but flashforward to today; it's now readily available in supplemental form.

Fun Fact: Hops is the key ingredient in beer, giving it its characteristics of bitter flavor and aroma while also acting as a preservative.

What are the benefits of Hops?

As mentioned before, hops are well-known for their role in brewing beer, but they have also been used in traditional medicine for centuries. Some of the key benefits include:

Improves Quality of Sleep

Hops have a long history of use as a traditional remedy for sleep disturbances, insomnia, and other sleep disorders. This herbal ingredient may have sedative effects, making it easier to fall into a restful night's sleep. Some studies have even shown that hops, particularly in combination with valerian root, can improve sleep quality by reducing sleep latency—the time it takes to fall asleep—and increasing sleep duration.

Helps Reduce Anxiety & Stress

Along with sedative properties, hops contains calming properties that can alleviate anxiety and reduce stress levels. By promoting relaxation, hops can support the body in managing the effects of daily stressors and create a sense of tranquility, which is beneficial for both your mental and physical well-being.

Supports Cardiovascular Health*

Some research suggests that hops, particularly xanthohumol, may have positive effects on cardiovascular health. These potential benefits include improving blood vessel function, reducing cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the formation of blood clots.

Relieves Menstrual Discomfort

Hops contain phytoestrogens, which are plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen. These compounds may help alleviate some menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes. Along with that, hops contains calming and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help ease muscle tension and promote a more comfortable cycle.

Supports Digestive Health

This herbal ingredient may have mild digestive benefits, helping to soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. Hops contains bitter compounds that can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and gastric juices. This, in turn, can help improve digestion and relieve symptoms like indigestion and bloating. As mentioned earlier, hops contain anti-inflammatory properties, which can be beneficial for people with digestive disorders like IBD, an inflammatory bowel disease.

How does Hops work in your body?

Hops exert their potential effects on the body through a variety of mechanisms. One prominent pathway involved hops acting on the central nervous system, where it exerts calming and sedative effects. The key components in hops, particularly humulone and lupulone, help bind to gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of tension.

Along with that, hops contain phytoestrogens, such as 8-prenylnaringenin, which can bind to estrogen receptors and may play a role in alleviating menopausal symptoms. Hops are a rich source of antioxidants, like xanthohumol, which can neutralize harmful free radicals and reduce oxidative stress. These antioxidants, along with other hop constituents, may also contribute to anti-inflammatory effects by influencing various inflammatory pathways.

Hops is a gentle yet effective herbal remedy for a wide range of benefits. Whether its used for stress relief, cardiovascular support, or even better sleep support, Hops has you covered.

Native Remedies recommends you consult your doctor before introducing new herbal products into your regimen. Always ensure you are buying high-quality, laboratory-tested supplements from a reputable supplier. At Native Remedies, we back all our products with a 100 percent money-back guarantee. If you’re not happy with your purchase after trying it for 30 days, simply send it back for a refund. Here’s to your good health!

The content provided is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you have a health condition, please consult a medical professional and do not use this information to self-diagnose or self-treat.

Resources:

Lubeck, B. (2024, September 17). Do Hops Have Health Benefits?. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/the-health-benefits-of-hops-89058
Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. (n.d.). Hops - Uses, Side Effects, and More. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-856/hops
Zugravu, C.-A., Bohiltea, R.-E., Salmen, T., Pogurschi, E., & Otelea, M. R. (2022, January 27). Antioxidants in Hops: Bioavailability, Health Effects and Perspectives for New Products. National Library of Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8868281/