---
title: "Hops: Benefits, Uses & Side Effects | Herbadex"
description: "Hop strobiles are traditionally used as a tea to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep, taken 30–60 minutes before bed."
language: en
url: https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hops/
source: Herbadex (https://herbadex.com)
---

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# Hops

Humulus lupulus

T Traditional use

Hop strobiles are traditionally used as a tea to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep, taken 30–60 minutes before bed.

[Sleep, Stress & Mood](https://herbadex.com/en/for/sleep-stress/)

 

Image: Herbadex Botanik Stüdyosu · Özel Üretim

Pregnancy **⚠ Avoid**

Breastfeeding **⚠ Avoid**

Children **⚠ Avoid**

Drug interactions **No recorded interactions**

## At a glance

The EMA classes hop strobiles (the female flower clusters) as a traditional herbal medicine for mild stress and to aid sleep. For sleep, take them 30–60 minutes before bed. The monograph lists no known adverse effects.

**Parts used:** strobiles

**Key constituents:** Bitter Acids (Humulone, Lupulone)

Updated: October 15, 2026

✓ This herb record is backed by official European Medicines Agency (EMA HMPC) herbal monographs.

## What is it used for?

-   T Traditional use
    
    Traditionally used to relieve mild symptoms of stress and to aid sleep. \[1\]
    

## How is it used?

### Tea

For stress, pour 150–200 ml of boiling water over 0.5 g of chopped strobiles.

**Amount:** Up to 4 times daily

**Duration limit:** See a doctor if no better after 2 weeks

\[1\]

### Tea

For sleep, pour 150–200 ml of boiling water over 0.5–1 g and drink 30–60 minutes before bed.

**Amount:** Once in the evening

\[1\]

## Safety & interactions

Minimum age: 12 years

-   Not recommended for children under 12.
-   Not recommended in pregnancy or breastfeeding because safety has not been shown.
-   If symptoms worsen or do not improve within the stated time, see a doctor or pharmacist.

\[1\]

### Drug interactions

No recorded interactions

### Side effects

-   None known according to the monograph; report any unexpected effect to a doctor

#### ⚕ When to see a doctor

-   If high fever, shortness of breath or purulent/bloody phlegm develops
-   If symptoms do not improve within 1–2 weeks or worsen
-   If severe abdominal pain, jaundice, rash or allergic reaction occurs

## Did you know?

Hop tea needs only 0.5–1 g of strobiles; for sleep, drink it 30–60 minutes before bed. \[1\]

## Frequently asked questions

Do hops help with sleep?

The EMA accepts hops as a traditional remedy for mild stress and to aid sleep.

How do I make hop tea?

For sleep, pour 150–200 ml of boiling water over 0.5–1 g of strobiles and drink 30–60 minutes before bed.

Are these the hops used in beer?

Yes, it is the same plant, but beer is no substitute for hop tea.

Can children use hops?

Not recommended under 12.

## Sources

1.  [Community herbal monograph on Humulus lupulus L., flos – Revision 1](https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-humulus-lupulus-l-flos-revision-1_en.pdf) EMA HMPC · 2014

### Cite This Page

Hops (Humulus lupulus). Herbadex — Doğal Şifa Rehberi (2026). https://herbadex.com/en/herb/hops/

## Related guides and comparisons

-   [How to Prepare Herbal Tea](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/how-to-prepare-herbal-tea/)
-   [How to Use Essential Oils Safely](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/essential-oil-safety/)
-   [Herbal Products and Drug Interactions](https://herbadex.com/en/guide/herb-drug-interactions/)

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This page is for information only and is not medical advice. If you take medication, are pregnant, or have a health condition, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before use.
