Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus

Common Name:

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

Origin: Poland

Harvested: Cultivated

Parts Used: Flowers

General Information:

Humulus lupulus is a dioecious, perennial, herbaceous climbing plant which 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 allow 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 resemble small pine cones which is cone-shaped structures that hang from the plant, which can be harvested in late summer. The staminate flowers do not have petals, while the pistillate flowers petals completely cover the fruit. The cones found on female plants are called strobili. 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 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:

Powdered Herb:

There are different ways to use powdered herb.

Food Preparation: You can add powdered herbs to any super food, herbal smoothie, sauces, spreads and even cookies. Also for children, you can mix powdered herbs with honey or glycerin to make a paste. The thicker the paste, the more potent and herbal in taste. The sweet taste of honey and glycerin will help the medicine go down. This method is also known as "Electuaries".

Capsules: Encapsulating your own powdered herb at home, give you assurance that the contents of the capsules are pure herb and no filler or any other products. These capsules can be taken with liquid.

Poultice: Poultice can be made with an herbal powder and liquid (mostly water) to form a paste which is then applied to the skin. This method is very helpful for skin conditions.

Herbal shot: Powdered herb can be mixed with water, fruit juice or other liquid to make herbal shot.

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 Powder