Hops – An Aphrodisiac for Women

Loss of libido in women can be attributed to various factors. They may lose interest in sex due to imbalance of hormones in the body or some physiological disorder which may be preventing the body from enjoying sex. Alternatively, mental stress and anxiety may create conditions unfavorable for sexual stimulation and pleasure. Aphrodisiacs like hops may help in such situations by addressing both the hormonal imbalance and mental disorders, thereby preparing the body as well as mind for better sex.

About hops

Botanically known as Humulus lupulus, hops belongs to the Cannabaceae family of plants. Hops vines are very distinctive as they tend to twist and curl around things, gripping them firmly with their fine hairs. It is perhaps due to this characteristic that the name lupulus meaning ‘wolf-like’ was given to the plant, indicating the tendency of wolves to grip and not let go. Hops is native to Britain and continental Europe. However now it is a commercially important crop in United States, Australia and South America.

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Hops as an aphrodisiac

The key of hops’ use as an aphrodisiac may lie it the estrogenic properties of certain chemical compounds found in the flowers of hops. Estrogen is the most important sex hormone found in women and sometimes plants are found to contain chemicals known as phytoestrogens which mimic the effect of natural estrogen found in human bodies. Studies have shown that hops contains prenylnaringenin, one of the most potent of all phytoestrogens. As a result using hops may benefit women who are suffering from low sex drive caused by lack of estrogen in their bodies. In this way, by restoring the balance of sex hormones, hops may help women to be sexually aroused, have better vaginal lubrication and more intense orgasms.

The estrogen-like compounds present in hops may also be the reason why it has been long regarded as a cure for menstrual disorders. Lack of natural estrogen in a woman’s body may cause menstrual irregularities, Pre-Menstrual Syndrome and symptoms associated with menopause like hot flashes, mood swings, headaches and irritability. Taking hops may help women suffering from such conditions to reduce the distressing symptoms and thereby create physiological conditions conducive to enjoyable sex. In fact so powerful is the estrogenic effect of hops that female hop pickers in the countryside have been known to experience changes in their menstrual cycle due to the absorption of oil through their hands, according to Richard Mabey, author of The New Age Herbalist (1988).

Another important use of hops in folk medicine has been as a relaxant. A number of phytochemicals in hops possess sedative and muscle-relaxing properties. According to other sources, the orange-yellow powdery substance obtained from the strobiles of the plant is known as lupuline and it is this which contains the key to the plant’s relaxant effect. This is the reason why use of hops has been found to be effective in the treatment of insomnia, mental stress and nervous tensions. In fact, according to European folklore, pillows would be stuffed with hops flowers to help people suffering from sleep disorders. The relaxant properties of hops may seem to work against arousing sexual desire – and among men, it actually does so – but by easing stress and soothing anxiety among women in a sexual situation, hops may in fact create a mood conducive to sexual pleasure.

In folk medicine, Hops has long been used to treat various infections. This may be due to the plant’s anti-bacterial properties. The flowers of the plant contain bitter acids and two of its constituents known as lupulone and humulone have been found to inhibit the growth of gram-positive organisms by disrupting the primary membrane of bacteria. This is probably why hops figure as a remedy for bacterial infections of the digestive and the urinary system in folk medicine. Among other therapeutic uses of hops are as an analgesic and anti-spasmodic because of which it is used to treat conditions like neuralgia, intestinal spasms.

Using hops

If using hops as a sedative, the usual dosage is 500 to 1000 mg of the dried herb taken by mouth as a single dose. The traditional way is to make a tea by brewing the dried herbs in 5 ounces of baling water for 5 to 10 minutes, straining it and then drinking the infusion.

If using the liquid extract of hops – 1:1 preparation with 450% alcohol – the recommended dosage is 0.5 to 2 ml taken by mouth as a single dose. In the form of a tincture – 1:5 preparation with 60% alcohol – the dosage is 1 to 2 ml taken at once by mouth.

Possible side effects of using hops

In certain individuals, use of hops may lead to bronchial irritation and excessive drowsiness when taken orally and contact dermatitis when handled externally. If a person is allergic to any of the compounds of hops, he/she may develop rashes, shortness of breath, itching and even an anaphylactic reaction. People engaged in hazardous activities or those which require mental alertness should be careful since hops can cause sleepiness.

Since hops contains estrogen-like compounds, it should never be used by children, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Patients suffering from estrogen-related tumors such as breast, uterus and cervical cancer should also avoid using hops preparations.

Since hops acts as a sedative, it should also be avoided by people already on depressants of the central nervous system or on anti-psychotic drugs.

The liquid extract and tincture of hops contain alcohol and thus should be used with extreme caution by healthy people and best avoided by those suffering from liver conditions. Finally because of its potent sedative and estrogenic properties, even healthy individuals should consult their healthcare providers before using hops preparations.

The interesting thing about hops as an aphrodisiac is that it seems to work particularly for women. While it induces a narcotic and anaphrodisiac effect among men, hops has a stimulating impact on female sex hormones thereby facilitating sexual arousal among women and setting the mood for amorous action.