Hops: Dosage

Hop cones are offered for internal use in the form of tea, dragées, capsules, tablets or drops. For example, the plant is contained in numerous tea mixtures of the group of sleeping and calming teas. For sleep disorders, an alcohol extract of the drug can also be taken directly before bedtime.

For external use of hop cones, ointments, baths and compresses are commercially available.

Hops: the right dose

The average daily dose is 0.5 g of the drug or 1-2 ml of the tincture, unless otherwise prescribed.

Preparation of hops tea

To prepare a tea, about 0.5 g of the crushed hop cones (1 teaspoon corresponds to about 0.4 g) is poured over boiling water and after 10-15 minutes is passed through a tea strainer. Since the tea is quite bitter, it is recommended to combine it with other calming plants such as lemon balm or lavender.

Contraindications

Currently, there are no known side effects, interactions or contraindications for hop cone. However, pregnant women, nursing mothers and children should use hops with caution.

Caution with fresh hop cones

Contact with fresh, undried hop cones can cause what is known as hop picker’s disease, which can be accompanied by headaches, drowsiness, joint pain, blistering of the skin and conjunctivitis. However, this is not likely to occur with dry cones, as the plant parts responsible for these reactions probably perish during drying.

Storage of hops

Hops should be stored in a dry place away from light. Purchased tea should be transferred to a tin or similar container at home and this should always be shaken vigorously before preparing the tea. Since the glandular hairs may settle during prolonged storage, mixing will counteract uneven distribution of bitter substances.