Hops Humulus lupulus

Botanical Information

Common Names: Hops

Folk Names: Hop Vine, Lupulin

Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus

Family: Cannabaceae

Description: A vigorous perennial vine producing papery cone-like strobiles rich in resinous lupulin glands. Aromatic, bitter, and calming.

History & Tradition

• Traditional European bittering and preservative herb for beer.
• Used medicinally for restlessness, digestive upset, and tension.
• A classic herb for sleep pillows and calming blends.

Cultivation & Parts Used

Parts Used: Strobiles (cones).

Growing Conditions: Rich soil, full sun, climbing support.

Collection: Cones harvested when aromatic and slightly sticky.

Doctrine of Signatures

The dangling papery cones resemble lanterns — soothing and dimming overstimulated nerves. Their bitterness signals digestive and nervous calming powers.

Medicinal & Energetic Properties

Constituents

Lupulin, bitter acids (humulone, lupulone), volatile oils, flavonoids.

Actions

Sedative • Bitter tonic • Nervine relaxant • Estrogenic (mild) • Digestive bitter • Antimicrobial.

Taste & Energetics

Taste: Bitter, aromatic

Energetics: Cooling • Relaxing • Bittering

Tissue States: Hot • Tense • Stagnant digestion

Internal Uses

Anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, digestive tension, menopausal irritability (mild), sluggish digestion.

Topical Uses

Sleep pillows, poultices for tension or inflammation.

Combinations

• With Valerian — sleep blends.
• With Lemon Balm — calming digestive blends.
• With Passionflower — anxious restlessness.

Homeopathic Remedy

Lupulus — for overexcitation, insomnia, and nervous irritability.

Flower Essence

For overstimulated minds; helps unwind and release tension.

Essential Oil

Rare; aroma is resinous, calming, slightly musky.

Culinary Use

Primary bittering and flavoring agent for beer; used for digestive bitters.

Safety Notes

• May increase drowsiness.
• Not ideal for severe depression due to sedative nature.
• Contains mild phytoestrogens.

Spiritual & Ritual Uses

Hops helps unwind emotional knots, release tension, and promote dream rest. Used for calming rituals and sleep magic.

Astroherbalism

Planet: Saturn & Moon

Zodiac: Capricorn, Cancer

Signature: Cooling, contracting, grounding energy that stabilizes the nervous system.

Chakra Correspondence

Solar Plexus & Root: Relaxation, grounding, settling overstimulated nerves.

Cosmic Ray

Indigo–Green Ray: Calm, stillness, nighttime restoration.

Alchemy & Spagyrics

Salt (Body): Grounding mineral base.

Sulfur (Soul): Bitter and aromatic essence.

Mercury (Spirit): Spirit that quiets agitation.

Magical & Spiritual Properties

Peace • Sleep • Anxiety relief • Cooling tempers • Protection during rest.

Tarot Correspondence

The Hermit: Withdrawal for rest, inner quiet.

Keywords: Calm • Sleep • Bitter • Cooling • Relaxation