Hops

Common Name:

Hops

Botanical Name:

Humulus lupulus

Short Description:

Hops is a sedative and bitter digestive herb commonly used to promote relaxation, relieve anxiety, and support sleep. It’s also helpful for nervous indigestion and symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as PMS or hot flashes.

Parts Used:

Strobiles (female flowers/cones)

Actions:

Sedative, hypnotic, bitter tonic, nervine, antispasmodic, phytoestrogenic

Energetics:

Cooling, drying, bitter

Body Systems:

Nervous, digestive, endocrine

Spiritual/Energetic Uses:

Encourages surrender and letting go. Hops soothes restlessness and overthinking, supporting deep rest and emotional calm, especially when mental energy is excessive or agitated.

Planetary/Dosha Associations:

Planetary: Moon
Dosha: Balances Pitta and Vata; may aggravate Kapha in excess

Safety Notes:

May cause drowsiness—avoid combining with sedatives. Phytoestrogenic properties may affect those with hormone-sensitive conditions. Not recommended during pregnancy.