Hot flashes and insomnia problems - what can hops do for you?

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Hot flashes and sleep problems - what can hops do for you?

Hops - more than beer: Nature’s phytoestrogen with effects in the intimate area

The history and medical use of hops

We primarily know hops from beer, but the plant has a long and well-documented history as a medicinal herb. Originally, hops came from China, but already in the Middle Ages it was cultivated in European monastery gardens for medical use. It was monks in Central Europe who began adding hops during brewing – a tradition that later spread to the Nordic countries. The Danish medieval physician Henrik Harpestreng (1164–1244) mentions hops in his work Liber Herbarum, where he writes:

“It is hot and dry. It cleanses the spleen and liver and helps against their diseases. It drives out urine and purifies all parts of the body from inflammation. If women are closed below, it cleanses their blood flow and helps expel a dead child. When drunk in honey and water, it helps against pain in the thighs and groin.”

Phytoestrogens, fertility, and modern knowledge

An interesting historical observation was that in regions with large hop cultivation, no children were born nine months after the harvest. Today we know that hop cones contain a phytoestrogen – 8-prenylnaringenin - which can be absorbed through the skin or respiratory tract. This was only documented in modern times but explains earlier observations.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has published a monograph on hops, stating that the plant can be used for mild stress and sleep problems. Scientific studies also show that hops may reduce hot flashes, improve libido, and lower the risk of osteoporosis.

In addition to the phytoestrogen 8-prenylnaringenin, hops also contain xanthohumol - a compound that inhibits the development of cancer cells. Therefore, hops are considered suitable for women with breast cancer as well. Due to its estrogenic effect, hops are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.

LadyBalance MENO - intimate tablet with documented plant extract

LadyBalance has developed a lactose-based intimate tablet containing 60 mg of hop extract - in line with the amounts used in published studies. There are no scientific studies yet on vaginal absorption, but internal testing shows no issues with this administration method.

The LadyBalance MENO intimate tablet is designed for women in menopause who wish to support their intimate balance while benefiting from the documented effects of hop extract. The tablet has a characteristic hop scent, and the small green specks come directly from the active plant extract.

Sources

Quote and historical information taken from: https://urteblog.middelalderurter.dk/2020/02/16/humle/

ASSESSMENT REPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNITY MONOGRAPHS AND FOR INCLUSION OF HERBAL SUBSTANCE(S), PREPARATION(S) OR COMBINATIONS THEREOF IN THE LIST – EMEA/HMPC/513618/2006