Most of us have heard of hops because they are one of the main ingredients used in beer brewing. They give beer that classic bitter flavor, and in some varieties it can be quite pronounced. Since I love to make my own brews I’ve been curious about growing hops for a while now. Earlier this season I bought a start at the farmer’s market, plopped it in the ground, and it was off and running in no time! But did you know that hops also have numerous health benefits and can be made into a tea?
I was so happy to learn about the medicinal benefits of hops and hop tea, and now I want to share that with you!
Growing Hops
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are in the Cannabaceae family, which is the same family as cannabis and hemp.
One great thing about hops is that they are very easy to grow. They are a “bine” plant, which is similar to a vine but has a different growing habit. They are perfect for growing on a trellis, arbor, along a fence, or even on the side of a house or barn. Hops do have a tendency to take over a bit, so feel free to prune freely if they are going where they shouldn't.
Growing Hops
Hops (Humulus lupulus) are in the Cannabaceae family, which is the same family as cannabis and hemp.
Do you know the connection between beer hops and hemp?
Once upon a time, cannabis and humulus (commonly known as hops; one of the main ingredients in beer) were the same plant.
About 27 million years ago, cannabis and hops diverged from their common ancestor and evolved as separate botanical species.
Today, cannabis and humulus are identified as distinct species within the same plant family Cannabaceae.
Cannabaceae is a small family of flowering plants which currently includes 170 species grouped in 11 genera, two of which are Cannabis and Humulus.
The Cannabis genus comprises of three species (C. Sativa, C. Indica and C. Ruderalis) commonly known as hemp and medicinal/recreational cannabis. The Humulus genus also comprises of three species (H. Lupulus, H. Japonicus, and H. Yunnanensis), with Lupulus known as the common hop.
If hemp is cannabis’ sister, the hop plant would be its cousin. The family resemblance can be seen in the jagged-edged leaves emblematic of both plants. There is also the similarity of the seeds and pollen of both cannabis and hops.
As well as their shared physical characteristics, cannabis and hops are similar in other ways. Some of the same components, including terpenes and other phytonutrients, are found in the female inflorescences (flower heads) of both species.
Cannabis has a rich history as a medicine going back thousands of years, as does the hop plant. Long before hops became a bittering agent in the brewing industry, their flower heads were used in traditional Eurasian cultures to treat restlessness and sleep disturbances, as were cannabis flower heads.
The hop plant may have earned the hearts of many because of it's ability to brew beer, but hops actually have
One great thing about hops is that they are very easy to grow. They are a “bine” plant, which is similar to a vine but has a different growing habit. They are perfect for growing on a trellis, arbor, along a fence, or even on the side of a house or barn. Hops do have a tendency to take over a bit, so feel free to prune freely if they are going where they shouldn’t.
Hops are perennial and will die back to the ground each fall, coming back up in the spring. This makes them good for growing as a natural shade provider in the summer when you still want to allow the sun to come through during the winter.
The pale green hop flower cones are what is primarily used for most applications, including brewing beer and for medicinal uses.
A cluster of hop flowers growing on a bine
Medicinal Benefits of Hops
While hops are well known as being a bittering agent and natural preservative for beer, they are less known for their awesome medicinal benefits. Here are some of the powerful health benefits of hops.
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.
HOPS AS A SLEEP AID
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.
Hop tea, tincture, or capsules can be taken before bed to help with sleep. 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. If you don’t want to make it yourself you can buy a hops pillow here.
So that’s why I always feel sleepy after a very hop forward beer!
on the side of a house or barn. Hops do have a tendency to take over a bit, so feel free to prune freely if they are going where they shouldn’t.
Hops are perennial and will die back to the ground each fall, coming back up in the spring. This makes them good for growing as a natural shade provider in the summer when you still want to allow the sun to come through during the winter.
The pale green hop flower cones are what is primarily used for most applications, including brewing beer and for medicinal uses.
HOPS AS A SLEEP AID
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.
Hop tea, tincture, or capsules can be taken before bed to help with sleep. 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. If you don’t want to make it yourself you can buy a hops pillow here.
So that’s why I always feel sleepy after a very hop forward beer!
HOPS FOR STRESS AND ANXIETY
Beyond helping with sleep, hops are also very beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety. According to this study on the effectiveness of hops for anxiety and stress:
“In otherwise healthy young adults reporting at least mild depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms, daily supplementation with a hops dry extract can significantly improve all these symptoms over a 4-week period.
HOPS FOR DIGESTION
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!
Drinking hop tea is another way to use hops for digestive issues.
HOPS FOR THE IMMUNE SYSTEM
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, or take a few drops of hop tincture to shorten the duration of a cold or flu.
HOPS FOR WOMEN
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.
Skin Care – Hop is a great source of antioxidants making it a wonderful product to use in salves and scrubs. The antioxidants help your body fight against free radicals and give your skin a youthful glow. Hop also has anti-inflammatory qualities, so it can reduce redness and puffiness in skin.
Hair Care – You may have heard the benefits of rinsing your hair in beer. While it’s true that beer will give your hair shine, you will also smell like beer. You can get the same benefits for your hair by making hop tea and rinsing your hair in it. Hop tea is also known to aid in curing dandruff.
Improves the Digestive System
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