Hops as an Herbal Remedy

What are Hops?

Hops come from the hop plant Humulus Iupulus. They are the female flower cones that grow on the plant. The cones are commonly known as strobiles. The first documented use of hops was around 736 in modern day Germany. Interestingly enough, hops cultivation didn’t begin in the US until about 1629. Hops have been used for hundreds of years as a sleep-inducing herb. While many people recognize that hops are commonly used to aid in brewing beer, they are probably not aware that they are also used in herbal medicine. This powerful herb is also used for nerve sedatives and hormonal agents. Historically, hops were also used to treat insomnia, aid in digestion and help treat nervous ticks which people may experience.

Benefits of Hops:

Hops have many benefits that we were unaware of until scientists recently uncovered all of the benefits that these herbs possess. When hops are combined with several other ingredients like plantain and chamomile, they have even been known to help treat irritable bowel syndrome. Along with being a sleep aid, hops provide the following benefits:

• Sedate Nerves
• Aid in Digestion
• Promote Stomach Secretions
• Metabolize Natural Toxins (such as bacteria)
• Treat Menopause Complaints (ex. Insomnia, Hot Flashes)
• Treat Restlessness and Anxiety

Precautions

Generally considered a safe herb, hops are not to be taken without caution. Since hops contain plant estrogen, they shouldn’t be given to young children as they can throw off their hormone levels. For the same reason, women shouldn’t work in hops cultivation for long periods of time because they will experience irregularities in their menstrual cycles. Men, when exposed to the hop plant for long periods of time, could develop bacterial infections, dry cough and even bronchitis. People can also have hops allergies, so it is always best to find out if you are allergic to hops before beginning to use the herb medicinally.

Where and how to buy Hops

Seeds to the hops plants can be bought at online plant shops and your local greenhouses. Hops supplements and other pills containing hops can be bought at local vitamin shops and online as well. When buying hops, try to assure that they are certified organic as this is best for the body.