Article written in collaboration with Alexandra Berry.
We know hops as one of the pillars of beer. It has both bittering and aromatic properties and gives beer its varied fragrance and nuances. Hops were originally used in beer for their preservative properties and for a long time as a medicinal plant.
Today, 98% of the world's hops are used in brewing. As one of the basic ingredients of beer, along with water, malt and yeast, hops give beer its bitterness and its herbaceous, fruity, spicy or floral aromas. As well as being a flavour enhancer, it also helps to combat micro-organisms that can infect the brew. This is the origin of India Pale Ales, beers heavily hopped by English breweries to survive the long journey to the Indian colonies.
Finally, the strength of the foam can also vary depending on the hops and the quantity used in the brews.
However, since ancient times, hops have been used for their medicinal virtues, whether by the Greeks and Romans to treat intestinal disorders, by the Cherokee Indians to relieve pain and kidney problems, or in traditional Chinese medicine where they help relieve insomnia, intestinal cramps or digestive disorders. Finally, in India, Ayurvedic medicine promotes hops to relieve anxiety, stress, migraine and indigestion.
Benefits to us
Through their chemical composition and the virtues of their essential oils, hops are therefore full of benefits for the body and mind. Each of these oils is composed of chemical elements naturally predisposed to the fight against infections, parasites or microbes.
Mainly known for its anti-anxiety properties, hops are recommended as an herbal tea to relax and aid peaceful sleep. It aids digestion and contains vitamins E, B6 and C which strengthen the immune system.
Hops is sometimes recommended for menopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and night sweats, sleep and fatigue problems, and depression.
Hop extract is often used in creams and lotions to preserve and nourish the skin. Filled with antioxidants, it helps to fight impurities and cleanse the skin. The essential oils are also good anti-inflammatories and can help to treat skin diseases. It is also used to counter hair loss!
Essential oils
Its essential oils will each contribute to a plant that is not only full of aroma, but also a shield against infection.
Humulene (or alpha-caryophyllene)
This component is the best known to brewers as it is the one most commonly found in hops and the most prominent in beer due to its herbaceous and bitter aroma. It is also antibacterial, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and anorectic (appetite suppressant). Humulene may also act with other terpenes and cannabinoids to reduce cancer cells and their spread.
The Myrcene
Also found in cannabis, myrcene not only provides an earthy, spicy clove-like taste, it is also an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic* and anti-tumour* agent.
Limonene
Limonene is also very present in citrus fruits, hence its name, and in certain plants (rosemary and peppermint). Some plants use it to repel insects and parasites because it is a natural insecticide. It is also used as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressant, and according to some studies, it increases concentration and attention.
Le Pinène
Found in very large quantities in conifers - as its name suggests - it therefore carries the resinous aromas that can be found in beer. In addition to being an expectorant and a bronchodilator (it helps to breathe better, present in the "Vaporub" for example), it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic & antibacterial and anticancer virtues.
Linalool
A terpene with a floral scent of lavender, it is often used in household products for its freshness Aromatic. It also has many therapeutic properties:
- Sedative, relaxing and sleep-inducing: you will often find dried lavender in hotel rooms and spas
- Immune booster and anti-inflammatory
- Anti-anxiety
- Helps restore cognitive function (used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease)
- Skin regenerator for local application (for scars for example)
Beta-Cariophyllene
A natural insect repellent with a strong peppery aroma, it is present in many plants and spices such as black pepper and cloves. In hops, it provides woody notes to the beer. Beta-Caryophillene is an excellent analgesic and therefore helps to combat local pain (often used for toothache).
It can also help alleviate chronic pain as it interacts with receptors in the endocannabinoid system to alter the perception and regulation of pain and inflammation. Varieties of CBD with a high concentration of beta-caryophyllene are sometimes used to combat arthritis and neuropathic pain. It can help with kidney failure caused by chemotherapy.
Finally, it helps to combat depression and anxiety and is an excellent antioxidant.
So, as well as helping to flavour one of the world's most popular drinks, hops offer a wealth of benefits. Its use in brewing is therefore clearly not insignificant and we can only encourage the spread of hopped beverages, be they beer, hop teas, flavoured waters or oils!
Be careful, however, to limit your alcohol consumption. As we saw in the previous article, the oils only make up a very small part of the hops, so you would have to consume them in very large quantities, or in very concentrated quantities to reap the benefits... Drinking litres of beer won't get you far in the fight against an illness or anxiety... although for anxiety that's debatable... ?
Sources:
https://blog.homebrewing.org/what-are-hop-oils-explained/
https://www.barthhaas.com/en/barthhaas-blog/blog/what-is-hop-oil
https://beerandbrewing.com/hops-oils–aroma-uncharted-waters/
https://extractionmagazine.com/category/special/hop-oil-health-benefits/embed/#?secret=9phulrZNJ3
