Respiratory Issues, Pain Relief, Menstrual Cramping and Pain, Skin Health, Sleep and Insomnia, Hair Health, Headache Relief, Sexual Performance, Anti-Inflammatory, Wounds, Eczema and Psoriasis, Irritated Skin
Hops essential oil comes from hops (Humulus lupulus), a flowering plant in family Cannabaceae. It is a perennial, herbaceous climbing plant, which grows abundant in several countries in Western Asia, Europe and North America. It is widely cultivated for the brewing industry and at present, the major producers of hops are France, Germany and Hungary. The plant grows up to about 26 feet tall, has green leaves and light-green flowers. The substances found in the female flower are what gives beer its bitter taste, as well as acts as its preservative. The flower is also the part used in the extraction of its essential oil as it contains medicinal compounds.
Although hops are mostly famous throughout the world for flavoring beers from Belgium to Boston, the essential oil is extracted from hops (Humulus lupulus) through steam distillation. It is an extremely valuable product offered by this plant. The extracted oil has thin consistency and is light yellow to greenish-yellow colored and normally blended with Cinnamon, Lavender, Lemon, Orange, Grapefruit, Lime, Pine, Lemon verbena, Hyacinth, Nutmeg, Copaiba, Clove, Citrus, Balsalm Fir, Mandarin and Valerian essential oil. The oil is extensively used in traditional healing practices such as Chinese herbal medicine and Ayurveda, India’s holistic healing system. Its wonderful fragrance, and calming and grounding yet uplifting effect make it much-admired oil in aromatherapy circles. Apart from that it is expansively used in manufacturing medicines. It is also used as a natural herbal remedy to treat anxiety, tension, insomnia, sleeping disorder, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), high cholesterol, bladder infections and to prevent cancer.
Health Benefits of Hops Essential Oil
Hop essential oil is known to help ease sleeping problems by way of steam inhalation, baths, or aromatherapy techniques. Hop oil is often combined with valerian root oil in order to treat insomnia and anxiety. In fact, researches have proven the efficacy of the hops-valerian combination as a remedy for sleep disturbances. Listed below are some of the popular health benefits of hops essential oil
1. Respiratory Issues
Inflammation and irritation are the most common reasons for respiratory distress, using aromatherapy with hops essential oil can help to soothe those irritated parts of your respiratory tract and reduce inflammation, thereby reducing coughing and congestion.(1)
2. Pain Relief
Hops essential oil can provide general sedative qualities, which is why people who suffer from chronic pain of all varieties have turned to hops essential oil in the past. This general sedative quality of hops essential oil is famous and is commonly used by people suffering from anxiety and mood swings, as it can help to settle stormy minds and calm the body.(2)
3. Menstrual Cramping and Pain
For females, hops essential oil has been linked to a reduction in menstrual pain and cramping, which can be quite severe. Again, the sedative qualities that loosen the muscles and reduce pain are the main reason for this useful application of the essential oil.(3)
4. Skin Health
Hops essential oil is known as a natural remedy for psoriasis and skin irritation. The calming nature of hops essential oil functions as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent to protect your skin from any possible infections or irritants.(4)
5. Sleep and Insomnia
Those same sedative qualities make hops essential oil the perfect addition to a treatment for insomnia or sleeplessness. Hops essential oil can be diffused while sleeping and enhance the depth and quality of your slumber so you wake feeling refreshed and energized.(5)
6. Hair Health
When used in combination with other natural oils on the hair, hops essential oil can improve the sheen and strength of the hair because of its strong volatile components that interact with hair follicles and natural oils to improve the appearance and health of your hair.(6)
7. Headache Relief
Hops essential oil is quite important and effective for tension and headaches. The relaxing effects of this essential oil can loosen even the tightest muscles in your shoulders and neck, while also easing your anxiety and calming your mind, allowing for peaceful, headache-free days following a night of aromatic diffusion.(7)
8. Sexual Performance
For generations, hops essential oil has been used by men to enhance their sexual performance, and to extend it. This is a common cure for premature ejaculation, as it soothes the body and makes certain vital elements less sensitive to sexual stimulation.(8)
9. Anti-Inflammatory
Inflammation is quite troublesome issue and can be a real pain if you have it. Hops essential oil is an anti-inflammatory agent. It has an impressive track-record for alleviating pain related to arthritis and inflammation in the lungs.
10. Wounds
The oil acts as an antiseptic that protects your wounds, cuts and scrapes from being infected by bacteria and becoming septic. This can save your life because a septic wound will spread bacteria throughout the body, which could cause convulsions and damage vital organs. Apply the oil on the surrounding skin of the wound for this purpose. Never put oil directly on the wound as it may irritate and cause further pain.
11. Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema and psoriasis are categorized as inflammatory skin disorders. Hops essential oil’s anti-inflammatory substances will help treat these skin problems. The oil also has nourishing compounds that will soothe the skin, easing itchiness and other discomforts.
12. Irritated Skin
The oil’s nourishing compounds will comfort the itchiness and pain that comes with sunburn and slight burns. It is also helpful for skin rashes and skin irritations due to insect bites and other causes.
Traditional uses and benefits of Hops Essential oil
People who have difficulty sleeping can use three drops of the herbal oil in a diffuser.
When mixed with other herbs, hop oil can be used in the reduction of fever and pain.
It can also stimulate the appetite of those who are anorexic or are recovering from certain diseases.
It can also be blended with a base cream or lotion to help treat areas of rough skin.
3-4 drops on a tissue next to the pillow can help you drift off to sleep.
When blended in a carrier oil or added to a hot bath it can calm the pain and cramps associated with menstruation.
How to Make Hop Oil
Hops essential oil is extracted from the dried buds and flowers of hops by steam distillation. The oil produced has a thin consistency, with colors ranging from pale yellow to amber. Its aroma is described as dry, rich, spicy and floral.
Dosage of Hops Essential Oil
Due to lack of clinical data, no standardized dosage has been set. As an essential oil, it is very concentrated and must be diluted in carrier oil before use. Blend it with the essential oils of nutmeg, pine, spice, copaiba balsam, and orange.
Side Effects of Hops Essential Oil
Use this oil with caution as it is very powerful. It must be used in low, controlled dosage to avoid side effects such as stomach upset, frequent urination, nausea, dizziness, and headaches. It may also cause skin rashes or allergies to people who have sensitive skin.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding your child, avoid using this oil as it may have unknown harmful effects. More research is needed to fully determine the effects of the oil to the fetus and babies.
If you are taking medication, speak with a medical practitioner before use. It may interact with some drugs, which could prove fatal.
This oil must be avoided if you have a serious illness such as cancers of the breast, ovary and uterine. Do not take this oil if you have a deep depression, as its sedative quality may exacerbate the mood and emotion. Hops essential oil must not be used for extended periods.
Hops essential oil is an inexpensive, yet very effective and natural way to getting rid of skin problems. Add it to your daily routine for optimal results. Get a bottle today and begin your exciting journey towards more beautiful skin and hair.
Hops Essential Oil Facts
Hops are precisely known to be the popular herb. It is used to cure several illnesses. But hops are famous all over the world for flavoring beers. It tastes sour and it has a strong fragrance. Essential oil that can be extracted from hops is also an extremely valuable commodity offered by this plant. Hops essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy, and seems to perform most effectively when diffused throughout a room. However, as this essential oil is quite powerful, it is important to monitor your reactions to it, as it can also cause irritation in large quantities. Although native to China, hops essential oil is now extensively available throughout the world. The color of the oil itself is pale yellow and the aroma is rich, dry, and slightly spicy, with hints of floral notes as well. Aside from the essential oil itself, hops can also be used in powdered form, steeped for tea, and a variety of other preparations to get their health benefits.
Name
Hops Essential Oil
Scientific Name
Humulus lupulus
Native
Hungary
Plant Growth Habit
Vigorous, climbing, herbaceous perennial
Plant Size
26 feet tall
Leaf
Green leaves
Flower
Light-green flowers
Oil Consistency
Thin
Oil Color
Light yellow to greenish-yellow
Flavor/Aroma
Rich, dry, and slightly spicy, with hints of floral notes
Plant Parts Used
Hops flowers known as cones or strobiles
Method of Extraction
Steam-distillation
Commonly Blended With
Cinnamon
Lavender
Lemon
Orange
Grapefruit
Lime
Pine
Lemon verbena
Hyacinth
Nutmeg
Copaiba
Clove
Citrus
Balsalm Fir
Mandarin
Valerian
Health benefits
Respiratory Issues
Pain Relief
Menstrual Cramping and Pain
Skin Health
Sleep and Insomnia
Hair Health
Headache Relief
Sexual Performance
Anti-Inflammatory
Wounds
Eczema and Psoriasis
Irritated Skin
Precautions
People suffering from depression or are taking sedatives should avoid hop oil.
If you’re having sleep problems, it’s best to consult your physician before trying hop oil.
Pregnant and nursing women should also seek the advice of a doctor or an experienced aromatherapist before using hop oil.
Children should be kept away from this essential oil.
Hop oil is also toxic to dogs and should be kept away from them.
It should not be used without dilution.
Direct application of concentrate hops oils to skin can cause rashes.
Hops oil when used I excess can cause depression.
Never use them undiluted, in eyes or mucus membranes.
Do not take internally unless working with a qualified and expert practitioner.
If applying an essential oil to your skin always perform a small patch test to an insensitive part of the body.
Other Facts
Hops essential oil is used extensively in aromatherapy.
It seems to perform most effectively when diffused throughout a room.
It can be used in powdered form, steeped for tea, and a variety of other preparations.
Hop stems were used for fiber to make cloth and paper.
