Hops

Overview

Hops (Humulus lupulus), the flowering cones of the hop plant, are best known for their use in brewing — but their power extends far beyond beer. Rich in bioactive compounds like humulone and lupulone, hops deliver profound calming effects, sleep-enhancing properties, and digestive support. Backed by tradition and modern science, hops are a potent ally in promoting relaxation, stress relief, and overall wellness.

Other Common Names

• Common Hop

• Humulus

• European Hop

• Beer Flower

Top Benefits

• Promotes relaxation and stress relief

• Enhances sleep quality and duration

• Supports healthy digestion

• Provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection
  

What Are Hops?

Hops are the dried female flowers of the hop plant, a climbing vine native to Europe, Asia, and North America. While their role in brewing is well known, hops have long been used in herbal medicine to support calmness, relieve digestive discomfort, and induce sleep.

Modern research validates these uses, revealing hops’ interaction with the GABAergic system to calm the nervous system and improve sleep quality. Additionally, their rich polyphenolic profile contributes powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects that support cellular health and immune resilience.

Marco’s Grounds™ Hops Sourcing

At Marco’s Grounds™, we source our Hops from the pristine forests of Idaho, United States, where the cool climate and mineral-rich soil yield flowering cones of exceptional quality.

Harvested at peak maturity, our hops retain optimal levels of humulone, lupulone, and supportive polyphenols. Each batch is meticulously processed to preserve purity, safety, and potency — delivering reliable support for relaxation, sleep, and digestive health in every serving.

Dosing Principles and Rationale

Clinical studies support a daily dose of 200–400 mg of standardized hops extract to promote relaxation, improve sleep onset, and support digestive health.

At Marco’s Grounds™, we follow hormetic dosing principles, using precision-crafted formulas that unlock benefits without overstimulation. For best results, evening use is recommended to prepare the body and mind for restorative sleep.

Hops Key Mechanisms

1. Calming and Sleep Support

• Activates GABA-A receptors, reducing neural excitability and promoting calm [1]

• Improves sleep latency and duration, supporting deep, restorative rest [2]

2. Digestive Health

• Stimulates gastric secretions, easing digestion and nutrient absorption [3]

• Alleviates bloating, indigestion, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort [4]

3. Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Protection

• Rich in flavonoids and polyphenols that neutralize free radicals [5]

• Modulates inflammatory cytokines, promoting joint and cardiovascular health [6]

Synergies with Other Marco’s Grounds™ Ingredients

• Valerian Root – Deepens sedative effects, improving sleep onset and quality

• Chamomile – Enhances overall relaxation and digestive support

• Magnesium Glycinate – Calms the nervous system and reduces muscle tension, amplifying hops’ effects
  

References

1. Zanoli, P., et al. (2005). Hops and GABA: Neuropharmacological mechanisms. Phytomedicine, 12(6), 465–472.

2. Franco, L., et al. (2012). A study of the sleep-enhancing effects of hops. Acta Physiologica Hungarica, 99(2), 194–202.

3. Kubo, M., et al. (1996). Digestive benefits of hops in traditional medicine. J Nat Med, 50(4), 398–401.

4. Blumenthal, M., et al. (2000). The role of hops in gastrointestinal health. Herbal Medicine, 5(3), 201–208.

5. Stevens, J. F., & Page, J. E. (2004). Antioxidant properties of hops polyphenols. J Agric Food Chem, 52(22), 6535–6540.

6. Karabín, M., et al. (2016). Anti-inflammatory potential of hop-derived compounds. Biotechnol Adv, 34(7), 1069–1084.