Hops Flower Essential Oil
Botanical Name: Humulus lupulus
Common Method Of Extraction: Steam distilled
Parts Used: Dried cones or catkins
Note Classification: Middle
Aroma: Rich, spicy-sweet odor
Largest Producing Countries: Hungary, France, Britain, and Germany
Traditional Use: Employed as a fragrance ingredient in perfumes, especially spicy or oriental types.
Properties: Anodyne, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, astringent, bactericidal, carminative, diuretic, emollient, estrogenic properties, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, and soporific.
Benefits: Amenorrhea, asthma, astringent, dermatitis, headaches, indigestion, insomnia, menstrual cramp, nervous dyspepsia, nervous tension, neuralgia, rashes, reduces sexual overactivity, rough skin, spasmodic cough, stress-related conditions, supports female estrogens, and ulcers.
Blends Well With: Citrus, copaiba balsam, hyacinth, nutmeg, pine, and spice oils.
Of Interest: The herb has been used as a mild sedative, well known in the form of the hop pillow where the heavy aromatic odor has been shown to relax by direct action at the olfactory centers.
Safety Data: Generally non-toxic, (narcotic in excessive amounts), and non-irritant; may cause sensitization in some individuals. Should be avoided by those suffering from depression.