Hops

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is known more as an ingredient in beer than for it's medicinal action. It is predominately used as a sedative and tranquilizer due to the presence of a volatile oil called humulene consisting, in  part, of the compound 2-methylbut-3-ene-2-ol. For this reason it's main indication is for insomnia.

Having hypnotic properties, Hops is also a useful herb for anxiety, panic attacks and with the added benefit of relieving spasm it can also be prescribed for patients suffering from nervous dyspepsia and for poor appetite because it contains a bitter resin containing humulone and lupulinic acid. These bitters also have a depressant effect on the central nervous system because they convert to isovaleric acid which is also found in Valerian. This contributes to the sedative properties of the herb.  Additionally, Hops has pain relieving properties and so it also useful for neuralgic (or nerve) pain.

Due to the oestrogen enhancing properties of a chemical called chalcone, Hops should be avoided in women with, or predisposed to, oestrogen sensitive breast cancer. These properties also make Hops a useful herb for treating excessive libido in men.

References

Bone, K (2007) The Ultimate Herbal Compendium: A Desktop Guide for Herbal Prescribers. Phytotherapy Press: Warwick, Australia.

Pengelly, A (2004) The Constituents of Medicinal Plants. CABI Publishing: Washington, USA.

Wiess, R.F. (2001) Weiss’s Herbal Medicine: Classic Edition. Thieme: New York

Wren, RC, Williamson, EM, Evans, FJ (1998) Potter's New Cyclopaedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations. The CW Daniel Company Ltd: Essex, UK