Herbal Medicine 12 min read

The Medicinal Properties of Hops: Ancient Remedy Meets Modern Science

Dr. Mariia Tanasyshyn, ND, MD (UA)
Herbal Medicine, Sleep, Anxiety
Fresh branch of hops isolated on a white background.

When most people think of hops, beer immediately comes to mind. But this climbing plant (Humulus lupulus) has a rich medicinal history spanning centuries. Long before it became the signature flavoring agent in beer, hops was revered as a powerful therapeutic herb for sleep disorders, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. Today, modern science is validating what traditional herbalists have known all along: hops contains remarkable medicinal compounds with genuine health benefits.

What Are Hops?

Hops (Humulus lupulus) is a perennial climbing plant native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. The plant produces cone-shaped flowers called "strobiles" that contain the medicinal and aromatic compounds. These cone-like structures are covered in tiny yellow resinous glands called lupulin, which house the plant's therapeutic constituents.

Key Active Compounds in Hops

  • 8-Prenylnaringenin (8-PN): A potent phytoestrogen with hormonal balancing properties
  • Humulone and lupulone (alpha acids): Bitter compounds with antimicrobial and sedative effects
  • Essential oils: Including myrcene, humulene, and caryophyllene with calming properties
  • Flavonoids: Xanthohumol and other antioxidants with anti-inflammatory effects

A Brief History of Hops as Medicine

While hops has been used in beer brewing since at least the 9th century, its medicinal applications predate its culinary use. Historical records show:

  • Ancient Rome: Pliny the Elder documented hops as a garden vegetable and medicinal plant
  • Medieval Europe: Hildegard of Bingen (12th century) recommended hops for treating melancholy and insomnia
  • Traditional herbalism: Hops pillows were commonly used to promote sleep, with King George III reportedly using one
  • North American herbalism: Native practitioners and settlers used hops for digestive complaints and nervous tension

Evidence-Based Medicinal Properties of Hops

1. Sleep Support & Insomnia Relief

Hops is perhaps best known for its sedative properties. The essential oil 2-methyl-3-buten-2-ol (formed from the degradation of alpha acids) has demonstrated sleep-promoting effects.

Research highlight: A 2012 study published in PLOS ONE found that a combination of hops and valerian reduced sleep latency (time to fall asleep) and improved sleep quality in people with insomnia.

Mechanism: Hops appears to increase GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) activity in the brain, the same neurotransmitter targeted by many prescription sleep medications, but without the risk of dependency.

2. Anxiety & Stress Reduction

Beyond sleep, hops has demonstrated anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects. The bitter acids and essential oils work synergistically to calm the nervous system.

Research highlight: A 2017 study in Nutrients showed that hops extract significantly reduced stress, anxiety, and depression scores in young adults experiencing mild symptoms.

Hops is particularly useful for "anxious insomnia" – when racing thoughts prevent sleep – as it addresses both the mental agitation and sleep disturbance simultaneously.

3. Hormonal Balance (Especially for Women)

Hops contains 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN), one of the most potent phytoestrogens discovered in plants. This compound can bind to estrogen receptors and provide mild estrogenic effects.

May help with:

  • Menopausal hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood fluctuations
  • Sleep disturbances during menopause

Important note: Due to estrogenic effects, hops should be used cautiously in hormone-sensitive conditions. Always consult a healthcare provider.

4. Digestive Support

The bitter compounds in hops stimulate digestive secretions, making it a traditional remedy for poor appetite and sluggish digestion. Bitters have been used for centuries to "wake up" the digestive system.

Additionally, hops has mild antimicrobial properties, which may help maintain healthy gut flora and prevent overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria.

5. Anti-Inflammatory & Antioxidant Properties

Xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid found in hops, has garnered significant research attention for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Research highlight: Studies have shown xanthohumol may have anti-cancer, neuroprotective, and metabolic health benefits, though most research is still in preclinical stages.

So... Is Beer Healthy?

This is the question everyone wants answered. Let's be clear and evidence-based about this.

The Honest Answer

Beer contains medicinal compounds from hops, BUT... the alcohol content, caloric load, and processing significantly diminish any potential health benefits. You cannot drink enough beer to achieve therapeutic doses of hops compounds without consuming harmful amounts of alcohol.

Bottom line: While hops is medicinal, beer is not medicine. The therapeutic benefits of hops are best obtained through herbal supplements, teas, or tinctures – not through alcoholic beverages.

Why Beer Doesn't Qualify as Medicinal

Insufficient Active Compounds

Typical beer contains only trace amounts of hops compounds. You'd need to drink liters to approach therapeutic doses.

Alcohol Negates Benefits

Alcohol disrupts sleep architecture, increases anxiety (despite initial relaxation), and has numerous negative health effects that far outweigh any hops benefits.

Caloric Load & Blood Sugar Impact

Beer contributes empty calories and causes blood sugar fluctuations, which work against metabolic health.

Hormonal Disruption

While hops contains phytoestrogens, alcohol itself is an endocrine disruptor that negatively impacts hormone balance.

What About "Healthier" Beers?

Some beers are marketed as having higher hops content (like IPAs) or being "craft" and "artisanal." While these may contain slightly more beneficial compounds than mass-produced lagers, they still contain alcohol and should not be consumed for health purposes.

Non-alcoholic beer is a better option if you enjoy the taste, as it removes the most harmful component (alcohol). However, for therapeutic purposes, herbal preparations are still superior.

How to Use Hops Medicinally

If you want to harness the therapeutic benefits of hops, here are evidence-based approaches:

Standardized Extracts

Capsules or tablets containing standardized hops extract (typically 300-500mg per dose) are the most reliable way to ensure consistent therapeutic dosing.

Best for: Sleep support, anxiety, menopausal symptoms

Herbal Tea

Steep 1-2 teaspoons of dried hops flowers in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Often combined with valerian, chamomile, or passionflower for enhanced effects.

Best for: Evening relaxation, mild sleep support

Tincture

Alcohol-based or glycerin-based liquid extracts allow for flexible dosing. Typical dose: 30-40 drops (1-2ml) before bed or during times of stress.

Best for: Customizable dosing, fast absorption

Hops Pillow (Aromatherapy)

Fill a small cloth sachet with dried hops and place it inside your pillowcase. The aromatic compounds released during the night may promote sleep.

Best for: Gentle sleep support, traditional approach

General Dosing Guidelines

  • For sleep: 300-500mg standardized extract, taken 30-60 minutes before bed
  • For anxiety: 200-400mg, 1-2 times daily
  • For menopausal symptoms: Products standardized to contain 8-PN; typical dosing is guided by specific formulation
  • Combination formulas: Hops is often combined with valerian (for sleep) or other calming herbs for synergistic effects

Always start with the lowest effective dose and consult with a naturopathic doctor or herbalist for personalized recommendations.

Safety Considerations & Contraindications

Who Should Avoid or Use Caution with Hops

  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Insufficient safety data; best avoided
  • Hormone-sensitive conditions: Use with caution in estrogen-dependent cancers, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids
  • Depression: May exacerbate symptoms in some individuals; monitor closely
  • Sedative medications: May potentiate effects of sleep medications, benzodiazepines, or alcohol
  • Surgery: Discontinue 2 weeks before scheduled surgery due to sedative effects

Generally Well-Tolerated

When used appropriately, hops is generally safe and well-tolerated. Side effects are rare and typically mild (drowsiness, dizziness, allergic reactions in sensitive individuals).

The Bottom Line

Hops is a legitimate medicinal plant with well-documented benefits for sleep, anxiety, hormonal balance, and more. Modern research continues to validate its traditional uses and uncover new therapeutic applications.

However, beer is not an appropriate delivery method for these medicinal compounds. The alcohol content, caloric load, and low concentration of active constituents make beer a poor choice for therapeutic purposes.

If you're interested in the health benefits of hops, skip the beer aisle and head to the supplement section—or better yet, work with a naturopathic doctor to develop a personalized herbal protocol.

A Naturopathic Perspective

In naturopathic medicine, we often use hops as part of comprehensive treatment protocols for insomnia, anxiety, and hormonal imbalances. It's rarely used in isolation—we typically combine it with other synergistic herbs, lifestyle modifications, nutritional support, and stress management techniques.

Every person is unique, and what works beautifully for one patient may not be appropriate for another. This is why individualized care matters. A naturopathic doctor can assess your specific situation, health history, and goals to determine if hops—or another botanical medicine—is right for you.

Selected References

  1. Koetter U, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective clinical study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a fixed valerian hops extract combination (Ze 91019) in patients suffering from non-organic sleep disorder. Phytother Res. 2007;21(9):847-851.
  2. Kyrou I, et al. Effects of a hops (Humulus lupulus L.) dry extract supplement on self-reported depression, anxiety and stress levels in apparently healthy young adults: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover pilot study. Hormones (Athens). 2017;16(2):171-180.
  3. Milligan SR, et al. Identification of a potent phytoestrogen in hops (Humulus lupulus L.) and beer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1999;84(6):2249-2252.
  4. Erkkola R, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study on the use of a standardized hop extract to alleviate menopausal discomforts. Phytomedicine. 2010;17(6):389-396.
  5. Franco L, et al. The sedative effect of non-alcoholic beer in healthy female nurses. PLoS One. 2012;7(7):e37290.
  6. Zanoli P, Zavatti M. Pharmacognostic and pharmacological profile of Humulus lupulus L. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008;116(3):383-396.
  7. Liu M, Yin H, Qian X, Dong J, Qian Z, Miao J. Xanthohumol, a Prenylated Chalcone from Hops, Inhibits the Viability and Stemness of Doxorubicin-Resistant MCF-7/ADR Cells. Molecules. 2016 Dec 28;22(1):36. doi: 10.3390/molecules22010036. PMID: 28036030; PMCID: PMC6155764.

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