Humulus

Hops

Hops. The strobiles of Humulus lupulus Linné (Nat. Ord. Urticaceae, Cannabineae).

Lupulinum

Lupuline. The glandular powder separated from the strobiles of H lupus. Lupuline, Fr.; Hopfendrüsen, Ger.

Infusum Humuli

Infusion of hops (oz ss—Oj). Dose, a teacup-ful or more. (Not official.)

Tinctura Humuli

Tincture of hops (twenty parts to one hundred). Dose, oz ss— oz ij.

Oleoresina Lupulini

Oleo-resin of lupuline. Dose, τη v — 3 ss or more.

Extractum Lupulini Fluidum

Fluid extract of lupuline. Dose, 3 ss— 3 ij.

Composition

Hops contain lupuline (described above), a tannic acid, an essential oil composed in part of valerol, trimethylamine, and a liquid volatile alkaloid, lupuline (?).

Physiological Actions

Hop is an aromatic stomachic tonic, and as such promotes the appetite and digestive power. It is slightly astringent also. The action of the heart is somewhat increased, the cutaneous circulation excited, and diaphoresis produced.

In a very slight degree, hop first causes cerebral excitement, followed by calm and a disposition to sleep. Experience has shown that it possesses some anaphrodisiac property, and lessens the functional activity of the testes and the apparatus of erection.

Therapy

As a stomachic tonic hop is quite as serviceable as many more rare and costly medicines. It is useful in atonic dyspepsia, simple flatulent colic, and mild diarrhoeas.

The power of a hop pillow to quiet the mind and to induce sleep seems to be well established, but its influence is, doubtless, largely due to imagination and the association of ideas. The tincture of lupuline and the oleo-resin are useful remedies in mild cases of delirium tremens. They serve a double purpose—as a stomachic tonic and cerebral sedative. A combination of fluid extract or tincture of lupuline and tincture of capsicum is probably the best substitute for alcoholic stimulants, when the habit of their use is to be discontinued. Rx Ext. lupulinae fluid., tinct. capsici, āā oz j. M. Sig.: One or two tea spoonfuls as necessary. The condition known as horrors, or the wakefulness and excitement which just precede the attack of delirium tremens, may often be quite removed by free use of this combination.

Nocturnal seminal losses may be reduced in frequency by the use of lupuline, of which the best preparation for this purpose is the oleo-resin. Chordee is said to be prevented by the use of lupuline, but the author has been quite disappointed in his attempts to relieve this state by this remedy.

A hop poultice or bag is a domestic remedy for internal pains and inflammation, especially of the abdominal organs. A quantity of hops is sewed into a muslin bag, dipped in hot water, and then laid over the affected region. It forms a light fomentation, which owes its virtues rather to the heat and moisture than to the anodyne qualities of the hops.