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Posted on Dec 30, 2005, 8 p.m.
By Bill Freeman
GENERAL DESCRIPTION: The hops plant is a climbing plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Hops are the fruiting bodies of the plant. The herb is used to soothe the stomach and aid digestion. Its mild sedative properties result in it being a common ingredient in herbal sleeping remedies.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
The hops plant is a climbing plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. Hops are the fruiting bodies of the plant. The herb is used to soothe the stomach and aid digestion. Its mild sedative properties result in it being a common ingredient in herbal sleeping remedies. Hops also contain phytoestrogens hat bind estrogen receptors in cells.
ROLE FOR ANTI-AGING:
Hops contain prenylflavonoids, compounds that have recently been found to be potent inhibitors of the metabolic activation of IQ (2- amino-3-methylimidazo[4,5-f]quinoline), a carcinogen found in cooked food. Thus, hops may offer some protection against cancer.
THERAPEUTIC DAILY AMOUNT:
500 mg, 3-4 times a day can be taken to alleviate anxiety or insomnia. Hops tea can be made by pouring 150 ml of boiling water over 5-10 grams of the dried fruit. Dried hops are also available in tablet or capsule form. Follow the recommended dosages given on the labels.
MAXIMUM SAFE LEVEL: Not established
SIDE EFFECTS/CONTRAINDICATIONS:
Use of hops is generally regarded as safe and no contraindications or potential interactions with other medications are known. People suffering from depression are advised to avoid hops.
