Key Medicinal and Health Benefits of Lúpulo (Including Recipes)

Lúpulo (Hops) – Humulus lupulus
Lúpulo, commonly known as hops, is best known for its use in brewing beer. However, it also has a long history in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, and has been used by natural healers like Dr. Sebi in herbal formulas such as Green Food Plus and Lupulo. Its medicinal properties are rooted in its bitter resins, essential oils, and flavonoids.

Medicinal and Health Benefits

1. Nervine and Sedative Effects

• Calms the nervous system: Traditionally used to relieve anxiety, restlessness, irritability, and insomnia.
• Mild sedative: Helps promote restful sleep, especially when combined with valerian.

2. Digestive Aid

• Stimulates digestion: The bitter principles (humulone and lupulone) activate bile and digestive secretions.
• Relieves gas and bloating: Traditionally used to relieve indigestion and sluggish digestion.

3. Hormonal Balance (Phytoestrogens)

• Contains 8-prenylnaringenin, a powerful plant estrogen that may help:
  • Ease menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, mood swings).
  • Balance menstrual irregularities.
• Caution: Not recommended in excess for those with estrogen-sensitive conditions.

4. Anti-inflammatory and Antimicrobial

• Bitter acids in hops show strong antibacterial and anti-inflammatory activity.
• Traditionally used for infections, especially when applied externally as a poultice for wounds or skin irritation.

5. Antioxidant Properties

• Rich in flavonoids, which help protect cells from oxidative stress.
• May support liver health and detoxification.

6. Appetite Regulation

• Historically used to stimulate or suppress appetite, depending on the preparation and individual constitution.

7. Urinary Support

• Acts as a mild diuretic, promoting urination and cleansing of the urinary tract.

8. Mood and Brain Health

• Some studies suggest its compounds can help modulate GABA activity, reducing nervous tension and improving mood.

Lupulo Healing Recipes

1. Lúpulo Nervine Sleep Tea

Use: To calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote restful sleep.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried Lúpulo (hops) flowers
• 1 tsp dried Tilo (Linden)
• 1 tsp dried Chamomile
• 1 cup hot spring or alkaline water

Instructions:

1. Combine all herbs in a cup or teapot.
2. Pour hot (not boiling) water over them.
3. Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
4. Strain and drink 30–60 minutes before bed.

Optional: Sweeten with a bit of date syrup or fig syrup (Dr. Sebi-friendly).

2. Lúpulo Digestive Bitters Blend

Use: Stimulate digestion, reduce bloating, improve bile flow.

Ingredients:

• 1 tsp dried Lúpulo
• 1 tsp dried Burdock root
• 1 tsp dried Yellow dock root
• 2 cups spring water

Instructions:

1. Simmer burdock and yellow dock roots in water for 15 minutes.
2. Turn off heat, add lúpulo, and cover to steep for 10 minutes.
3. Strain and drink half a cup 15–30 minutes before meals.

3. Lúpulo Poultice for Skin Inflammation

Use: Calm inflamed skin, wounds, infections, or soreness.

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp dried Lúpulo flowers
• 1 tbsp dried Plantain leaf (for added skin healing)
• Enough hot water to moisten herbs into a paste
• Clean cloth or gauze

Instructions:

1. Mix dried herbs with hot water to form a thick, moist paste.
2. Let cool slightly so it’s warm, not hot.
3. Apply the paste to affected area and cover with cloth.
4. Leave on for 20–30 minutes. Rinse gently.

Traditional & Dr. Sebi-Inspired Use

• Dr. Sebi’s Green Food Plus includes lúpulo for its blood-cleansing and mineralizing properties.
• Combined with herbs like tilo (linden), elderberry, chaparral, or burdock for full-spectrum cleansing and nervous system support.

How to Use Lúpulo

• Infusion/Tea: Dried hops flowers steeped in hot water (1 tsp per cup), taken in the evening for sleep or digestion.
• Tincture: 10–30 drops, 2–3x daily (depends on purpose—sedative or digestive).
• Poultice: Crushed flowers for skin infections or muscle pain.
• Capsules/Powder: Used in formulations like Dr. Sebi’s Green Food Plus for general wellness.

Precautions

• Sedative effect: May cause drowsiness. Avoid using with alcohol or other CNS depressants.
• Hormonal effects: Individuals with estrogen-sensitive conditions should see guidadance.
• Pregnancy/Breastfeeding: Not recommended due to hormonal activity.