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.
