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HERB ALLEY
Hops
(Humulus
lupulus)
MEDICINAL
PARTS: Fruit.
DESCRIPTION:
The hop vine is a perennial climbing plant found wild in many places in
the world but mostly cultivated in the U.S. Many angular, rough stems
grow up to 20 feet long from a branched rootstock. The leaves are
rough, opposite, cordate, serrate, and three to five-lobed. The flowers
are yellowish-green, the male arranged in hanging panicles, the female
in catkins. The name of hops usually refers to the scaly, cone-like
fruit that develops from the female flowers.
PROPERTIES
AND USES: Anodyne, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative, tonic.
Hops are most commonly used for their calming effect on the nervous system.
Hop tea is recommended for nervous diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness.
It will also help to stimulate appetite. Dispel flatulence, and relieve
intestinal cramps. It cam be usefully combined with fragrant valerian
(for antispasmodic properties) for coughs and nervous spasmodic conditions.
The cold tea, taken an hour before meals, is particularly good for digestion.
Hops also have diuretic properties and can be taken for various problems
with water retention and excess uric acid. However, excessive doses
or prolonged use can have detrimental and should be avoided. A hop
pillow is a popular method of overcoming insomnia.
Hops are an old fashioned and very useful remedy. An excellent nervine.
Will produce sleep when nothing else will. 2 or 3 cups should be taken
hot. Valuable in delirium tremens. It is a good remedy for
toothache, earache, neuralgia, and like ailments. Will tone up the
liver, increase the flow of urine, and increase the flow of bile, and is
good for excessive sexual desires and gonorrhea.
PREPARATION
AND DOSAGE: Hops lose their effectiveness rapidly when stored.
Infusion:
Steep 1 tsp. hops in 1/2-cup water.
Hop pillow:
Sprinkle hops with alcohol and fill a small bag or pillowcase with them.
