Hops botanical plate

Herb. No. 066 · Cannabaceae

RangeFig. atlas
Approximate native range — a teaching atlas, not a survey

Northern temperate bine — Europe and North America both have native hops.

Native · Europe · North America

Native Also grown
LegalGentleplant

Hops

Humulus lupulus

Medicinal herbsKitchenHarvest

The beer flower — a bitter, estrogenic sedative that also climbs the shed.

Hops strobiles are bitter resin and a classic European nervine. A hop pillow or a short tea is the household form. Fresh cones oxidize fast. People with hormone-sensitive conditions should treat strong extracts as a decision, not a nightcap.

Flavor

Green-resin bitterness, grapefruit pith, and a grassy perfume.

Parts used

Female cones (strobiles)

Helpful

  • Beautiful bine
  • A real bitter and a real sedative tradition

Cautions

  • Can deepen depression in some
  • Estrogenic reputation
  • Harvest is sticky work

Field assistant

Ask about traditional use, safety, or the law. The assistant will not teach illegal cultivation or give medical orders.

Teas with this plant

Harvest this plant

When to cut, how to dry, and how to store it — garden and kitchen crops only.

Open harvest notes