© Unknown (see Commons) · Public domain · Commons
Humulus lupulus
CautionEchter Hopfen · (Humulus lupulus)
Hemp family (Cannabaceae)
Description
Humulus lupulus, the common hop or hops, is a species of flowering plant in the hemp family, Cannabaceae. It is a perennial, herbaceous climbing plant which sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to a cold-hardy rhizome in autumn. It is dioecious and native to West Asia, Europe and North America.
CONTRAINDICATED for children
Per EMA, not for children under 12 years. Traditional hop pillow as pure scent application without oral intake is exempt.
Critical drug interactions with:
Östrogen-Hormontherapie, hormonelle Kontrazeptiva, Tamoxifen / Aromatase-Hemmer
- TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use
Traditional calming and sleep-aid remedy for nervous restlessness and mild sleep disorders.
Preparation & dosage
Sleep tea: 0.5–1.0 g comminuted hop strobiles (1 level tsp) in 150–200 ml boiling water, cover and steep 10–15 minutes, strain. Drink warm 30–60 minutes before bedtime. Classic combination with valerian root strengthens the effect. Very bitter — a little honey makes it more palatable.
- Dry amount
- 0.5–1 g
- Doses per day
- 1×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years.
- TeaFlowerInternalTraditional use
For mild stress symptoms and nervous restlessness during the day.
Preparation & dosage
Calming tea for nervous tension: 0.5 g comminuted hop strobiles in 150–200 ml boiling water, steep 10–15 min, strain. Up to 4 cups a day during the day.
- Dry amount
- 0.5–0.5 g
- Doses per day
- 4×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Per EMA, only for adults and adolescents from 12 years.
- TinctureFlowerInternalTraditional use
Concentrated form for travel. Combines well with valerian tincture.
Preparation & dosage
Hop tincture (1:5 in 60% ethanol): 1–2 ml (~20–40 drops) up to 3× a day in a little water. For sleep, main dose 30–60 min before bed.
- Liquid amount
- 1–2 ml
- Doses per day
- 3×
- Max duration
- 2 weeks
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 12 years — Due to alcohol content, also unsuitable for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- CompressFlowerExternalFolk medicine
The hop pillow is a deeply rooted tradition — already recommended by Sebastian Kneipp in the 19th century. No EMA evidence, but centuries of experience.
Preparation & dosage
Hop pillow: Fill a small cotton or linen bag with 50–100 g of freshly dried whole hop strobiles, place beside or under the regular pillow. Refresh the hops yearly. Classically often mixed with lavender, lemon balm, and valerian root.
⚠ Age restriction: ≥ 0 years — As an external, scent-based application, also conceivable for children.