Hops Plant Helps Us

Hops Plant Helps Us

The Name Hops came from the Angle-Saxon hoppen, “to climb” the twining fibrous stems may reach some 15” in height. Like hemp, fiber from the stems was at one time used to make coarse fabric and paper. Nowadays the plant is best known for its use in brewing. Beer made with hops replaced traditional herbs ales made from malt and cleared with ground ivy. Hops have the advantage of flavoring as well as clearing the beer, but their introduction remained controversial for many years and Henry VIII forbade their use, as they “spoiled the taste and endangered the people.” Hops were taught to provoke melancholy, and their use is still not advised for those who are feeling depressed. Hops are also known to reduce sexual potency.

Hops are taken as a bitter tonic which improves digestion and reduces restlessness. It also has a sedative effect and will provoke deep sleep. The action is due to part, to the presence of volatile oils. Which give the characteristics odor and make pillows stuffed with dried hops useful for restless sleepers.

The tender young shoots can be eaten raw or cooked and eaten like asparagus in the spring.

Dried flowers from the female plant should be used.

And not more than 1 teaspoon a day.