Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus

Common Name:

English: Common Hops, Willow wolf
Unani: Hashish-ut-Dinaar
Also, known as: Houblon, Hopfen, Luppolo, Lupulo

Habitat: Asia, Europe and North America

Origin: Poland

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Flowers

General Information:

Humulus lupulus is a dioecious, perennial, herbaceous climbing plant that sends up new shoots in early spring and dies back to a cold-hardy rhizome in autumn. Flexible stems of this climber twist around anything nearby which allows the plant to grow anywhere from 15-30 feet. Heart-shaped dark green-colored leaves arranged oppositely, are covered in rough hairs. with 3-5 lobes. Flowers have female and male flowers grow on different plants. The Hop is one of the few crop plant species in which male and female flowers are borne on different plants. The fruit of the female plant is called strobiles and resembles small pine cones which are cone-shaped structures that hang from the plant, which can be harvested in late summer. The staminate flowers do not have petals, while the petals of the pistillate flower completely cover the fruit. The cones found on female plants are called strobila. Flowers emit a pine-like fragrance and are attractive to butterflies.

In ancient Rome and Greece, the young shoots of the plant were eaten as a vegetable in salads. Hops are cultivated commercially for the harvest of female fruits which are used by breweries to preserve and flavor beer. Lupulus in Latin, meaning for small wolf and once called willow-wolf as it would be found climbing over willow trees.

How to use:

Hot Infusion:

The basic method for dried herbs and flower is, take 2-3 tablespoons of dried herb in a cup or teapot. Pour hot water over it and cover it with lid for 10-30 minutes. Hot water is needed to draw out the antioxidants, enzymes, vitamins, flavonoids, and volatile oils from the botanicals. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal tea with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.
You can make ice cubes or pops by freezing tea in ice trays or pop molds.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Hops Flower Whole