Sedative and Relaxant: Traditionally, hops have been used for their calming effects on the nervous system. In European folk medicine, hops were used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and restlessness. People often stuffed pillows with hops to induce sleep and ease nervous tension.

Digestive Aid: Hops have long been recognized for their bitter properties, which stimulate digestive secretions. They were commonly used to treat indigestion, loss of appetite, and digestive discomfort in traditional herbal medicine.

Antiseptic and Anti-inflammatory: Hops were also used for their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Traditional healers applied hops externally to treat skin infections and inflammation and internally to reduce fevers and combat infections.

Current Uses:

Sleep Aid: In modern herbalism, hops are a popular remedy for insomnia and anxiety. They are often combined with other sedative herbs, such as valerian or passionflower, in supplements or teas to promote restful sleep.

Nervous System Support: Hops are frequently used to alleviate nervous tension, stress, and mild anxiety. They are incorporated into tinctures, capsules, or teas designed to calm the mind and relax the body.

Digestive Health: Due to their bitter compounds, hops continue to be used as a digestive stimulant, helping to enhance appetite and alleviate indigestion.

Anti-inflammatory and Antibacterial: Hops possess anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties and are still used in modern herbal medicine to treat skin conditions, infections, and inflammation both internally and externally.

Brewing: Hops are famously used in the brewing industry to flavor and preserve beer. Their bitter resins and aromatic oils give beer its distinctive flavor and help prevent bacterial growth during the fermentation process.

Learn More:
Want to explore more about Hops’ energetics and history? Visit our Materia Medica section and search for this herb to deepen your understanding.