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Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Hops (Humulus lupulus)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

About

Hops is a plant. The dried, flowering part of the plant is used to make medicine.

Hops is used for anxiety, inability to sleep (insomnia) and other sleep disorders, restlessness, tension, excitability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness, and irritability. It is also used to improve appetite, increase urine flow, start the flow of breast milk, as a bitter tonic, and for indigestion. Other uses include prostate cancer, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high cholesterol, tuberculosis, bladder infections, intestinal cramps, an intestinal disorder called mucous colitis, nerve pain, and prolonged painful erection of the penis (priapism).

Hops is sometimes applied to the skin for leg ulcers and as an antibacterial agent.

In foods and beverages, the extracts and oil are used as flavor components. Hops are also used in brewing beer.

In manufacturing, the extract is used in skin creams and lotions.

How does it work?

The chemicals in hops seem to have weak estrogen effects.

Traditionally used for

Body odor.
Insomnia.
Tenseness.
Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Improving appetite.
Indigestion.
High cholesterol.
Intestinal cramps.
Tuberculosis.
Pain and swelling (inflammation) of the bladder.
Nerve pain.
Start the flow of breast milk.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of hops depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for hops. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Possible Side Effects

Hops are considered SAFE when consumed in amounts commonly found in foods. Hops are SAFE when taken by mouth for medicinal uses.

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There is not enough reliable information about the safety of taking hops if you are pregnant or breast feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Depression: Hops may make depression worse. Avoid use.

Hormone sensitive cancers and conditions: Some chemicals in hops act like estrogen. People who have conditions that are sensitive to hormones should avoid hops. Some of these conditions including breast cancer and endometriosis.

Surgery: Hops might cause too much sleepiness when combined with anesthesia and other medications during and after surgical procedures. Stop taking hops at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

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