Hops are the flower of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) of a perennial climbing vine or ‘bine’ commonly used to make beer. Hops is actually part of the Cannabaceae family making it a cousin of the cannabis and hemp plants. The active ingredients in hops are mainly flavonoids, bitter acids and essential oils.
The mild sedative properties of hops help alleviate sleep disorders such as insomnia. Actually it has a long history of use as an herbal treatment for insomnia. Studies conducted on hops also show promising results in relieving anxiety and stress. Hops also contains a flavonoid that is a phytoestrogen meaning it mimics the activity of estrogen. It is therefore potentially beneficial in the treatment or prevention of menopause-related symptoms such as hot flashes. Since hops is also a digestive bitter and a tonic herb, it helps to stimulate the digestive system and when taken before a meal it helps stimulate appetite and help with digestion.
Hops is an immune booster thanks to its compounds that have antiviral, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antibiotic properties. Its anti-inflammatory properties and high anti-oxidant content makes it excellent for skin and hair and can be used to calm rashes and inflamed skin.
The 6 Benefits of HOPS:
- Stress and anxiety relief
- Sleep aid and insomnia relief
- Digestive aid
- Immune system
- Skin and hair care
- Hot flashes and menopause
So how can you get the benefits of HOPS?
Hops is most commonly consumed as a tea or tincture. There is also hops essential oil that can be used in aromatherapy. And then there is of course: BEER.
Hops or the Humulus lupulus plant is considered native to Europe and North America but it is believed to have originated in China. The first documented use was in the 8th century by the Benedictine monks in Bavaria Germany, who used them for brewing, yes, you guessed it… beer. Hops gives beer its flavour and bitterness but it also has amazing preservative properties.
