Hops for Health and Pleasure

Description

Hops for Health and Pleasure. Hops are the dried, flowering part of the hop plant. They are commonly used in brewing beer and as flavoring components in foods. Hops are also used to make medicine. Hops are commonly used orally for anxiety, sleep disorders such as the inability to sleep (insomnia) or disturbed sleep due to rotating or nighttime work hours (shift work disorder), restlessness, tension, excitability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), nervousness, irritability, and symptoms of menopause among other uses. The chemicals in hops seem to have weak effects similar to the hormone estrogen. Some chemicals in hops also seem to reduce swelling, prevent infections, and cause sleepiness. But there is limited scientific evidence to support using hopes for any of these conditions.

Hops are very useful in the area of insomnia and Hops “Bitters” are used for Digestive Complaints. The most common ways to take hops medicinally is as a tea, tincture, extract, or in capsules. For aromatherapy you can try hops essential oil. (I was thinking this must be why beer makes my husband go to sleep!!!)Probably the best medicinal use for hops is as a sleep aid. It is a relaxing sedative herb and is particularly effective when combined with valerian. You can also make a sachet using dried hops and other calming herbs like lavender and chamomile to hang by your bedside. You can even make an herb pillow using hops flowers to help you sleep. Beyond helping with sleep, hops are also very beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. Being a bitter and tonic herb, hops help to ease and stimulate the digestive system. Hops are perfect for making into digestive bitters and are best taken before a meal to stimulate the appetite and help with digestion. You can then use those bitters to make hop cocktails! Amazingly, hops are also a powerful immune system booster! They have antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties. Brew up a batch of hop tea when you’re feeling a sickness coming on to shorten the duration of a cold or flu. Hops are high in anti-oxidants making them excellent for the skin and hair. They also have anti-inflammatory benefits, so are useful for calming rashes or inflamed skin. They would be excellent to use in an infused oil or herbal salve for skin conditions. When hops are used on the hair they help to treat dandruff and flaky scalp, and can even help with hair loss! Some people claim that using a beer rinse makes hair shiny, likely due to the hops. They are also good for healing minor cuts and wounds. Try making a hops poultice next time you you have an injury to help speed healing. Hops have historically been used for women’s menstrual problems and also for women who are in menopause due to the high level of phytoestrogens they contain. They are effective at reducing the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome by reducing irritability and soothing cramps.For menopausal women hops help to naturally regulate hormones, ease hot flashes, and calm nerves.Because of its phytoestrogens hops should not be taken by pregnant women or young children. Always THOROUGHLY research any herb you are thinking of using and if you have prescribed drugs, please have a chat with your GP.

To make hop tea, simply pour two cups boiling water over 5-10 hop flower cones. The more hops you add the stronger, and more bitter, it will be. I found the bitterness to be quite mild and not bad at all, but everyone has different tastes. Adding other herbs like chamomile or peppermint will help with the flavor if needed. I also add a slice of lemon and a teaspoon of honey for added lushness and health giving properties. Allow to steep for about 5 minutes. I leave it until it’s cool enough to drink. You can also drink it cold with ice.

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