Hops

Hops are perhaps best known as a major ingredient in beer, but they have a lot to more to offer in other ways as well.  Let's look at a few of the ways hops can be of benefit in our daily lives.

Hops are bitter and pungent, cooling and astringent.  In Western Herbalism, they're considered antibacterial, sedative, relaxant, and a digestive aid.  

Pungent herbs tend to be warming and drying as well as stimulating and dispersing while bitter herbs are cooling and drying and may aid digestion.  Hops are cooling and drying.

The organs that benefit from hops include the stomach, intestines, heart, lungs, and the central nervous system.  

Hops are sedative and relaxant -- they may help you relax and feel drowsy.  They are also analgesic and anti-inflammatory which may help reduce pain.  Have you ever felt sleepy, more relaxed, and in less pain after drinking beer?  The hops in the beer are probably responsible.  Hops are also phytoestrogenic and may help calm hot flashes in menopause.  

Beer is not the only way to get your hops.  You can make an infusion (tea), a poultice or fomentation, a tincture, or an herb pillow.

Hops are considered safe, but do have contraindications for those taking pentobarbital and those who have depression.  

​You can check out the Hops Datasheet for more in-depth information.

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