Hops belongs to the same family as the marijuana plant. It is also known to any beer connoisseur for the bitter taste that it has. It is used in herbal medicine to help relax and strengthen the digestive system. This herb has been used to help with the acids in the stomach and may help promote extra secretion. The hops plant can grow up to 23 feet and is a perennial plant. It comes in both male and female parts. Only the female part is used for herbal uses. Hops can be used in a sachet, an infusion, capsules, tablets, and a tincture. Research has been done that suggests hops can relax the smooth muscles of the body. This means that it may help relieve pain associated with menstrual cramps. It can be taken internally and ingested if used in a tincture or taken in its tablet or capsule form. If you are experiencing depression in any form, you should not take Hops until the depression has passed or has been treated by a medical professional.
Habitat & Cultivation
This herb is native to Asia and Europe. Today it is grown in northern Europe and also the northern states of the United States. Hops does well in open areas and is known to grow along roads. This plant has both a female and a male part. Only the female part contains the female flowers which are known as strobiles. The strobiles are used either fresh or dried for medicinal uses. After the plant has grown and the flowers have formed the female flowers are picked and dried. Harvesting usually happens in early autumn so if the plant is dried it can be done at low temperatures.
Uses
Historical Remedies this herb is known for rarely being used in historical herbal medicine. When it was used it was used for relaxing the muscles of the body.
Digestion Aid can help prevent stomach spasms by relaxing the stomach muscles. It can also help aid digestion.
Tension when Hops is combined with other relaxing herbs it can help relieve tension and stress. Hops should not be used if depression is a current issue with the user.
Sedative Concerns Hops can be used to help with sedation and also sleeping. When used on or near a pillow, it can relieve stress and help with getting and staying asleep.
Parts used
Strobiles (female flowers) Ripe strobiles can be used fresh but are generally dried for their sedative and bitter properties.
Key Actions
Sedative
Soporific
Antispasmodic
Aromatic bitter
Constituents
Bitter principles
Volatile oil
Flavonoids
Polyphenolic tannins
Estrogenic substances
References
- Chevallier, Andrew, FNIMH; Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine - 550 Herbs and Remedies for Common Ailments; 3. Edition 2016; ISBN: 978-0-2412-2944-6; Page 104.
No Remedies found containing Hops
Hops Reviews
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bill V.
I really enjoy drinking hops tea, its like drinking a beer without the alcohol. It is overall very calming and quenches my thirst.