Products
Hops are available as an open product and in the form of tea mixtures in pharmacies and drugstores. Preparations from the inflorescences are commercially available in the form of tablets, dragées and drops, among others. As a rule, these are combination preparations with valerian or other calming medicinal plants.
Stem plant
Hops L. from the hemp family (Cannabaceae) is a perennial, right-twining climbing plant that has been cultivated in Europe since ancient times. It is dioecious, meaning that, as with hemp, both a male and a female plant exist.
Medicinal drug
The so-called hop cones (Lupuli flos PhEur / Lupuli strobulus), the dried, usually whole, female inflorescences of L. Liquid and dry extracts, respectively, are produced from the flowers using ethanol and methanol, among other methods.
Ingredients
- Essential oil with isoprenoids
- Hop resin with bitter substances such as the humulones and lupulones.
- Flavonoids, phytoestrogens
- Tannins
Effects
The preparations have sedative, sleep-inducing, antioxidant, possibly cancer-preventive and antimicrobial properties. Unlike valerian, clinical efficacy is less well documented.
Indications for use
For restlessness, nervousness, anxiety, stress, and states of agitation. For the treatment of sleep disorders. Hops are also used in the production of beer, giving it its bitter taste and aroma. Hops act as a natural preservative and make it last longer.
Dosage
According to the package insert.
Contraindications
Hops is contraindicated in hypersensitivity and in children under 12 years of age. Pregnancy and lactation: see professional literature. For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include allergic reactions.
