Available as a medicinal tea. Hops are known for helping with sleeplessness, anxiety and known as a women's medicine to help with hormone balances and cramps!
Hops are the flower of the hop plant (Humulus lupulus) used to make beer. In addition to imparting flavor to ales and pilsners, hops are also believed to offer health benefits. Many of these are attributed to compounds found in the plant's artichoke-shape buds, including the flavonoids xanthohumol and 8-prenylnaringenin and the essential oils humulene and lupuline.
Alternative practitioners believe that these compounds have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, analgesic (pain-relieving), and even anti-cancer properties.
The flavonoid 8-prenylnaringenin found in hops is classified as a phytoestrogen—a plant-based compound that mimics the activity of the female hormone estrogen. It is believed by some that 8-prenylnaringenin can help increase estrogenic activity in the body, overcoming symptoms of hypoestrogenism (estrogen deficiency).
Since hot flashes and night sweats that typically accompany menopause are due to drops in estrogen that occur, hops may help alleviate them.
Possible Side Effects
When taken for health purposes, hops supplements are believed to be safe and have minimal side effects. Some people may experience tiredness; taking the herbal supplement just before bedtime usually helps minimize the impact of this symptom.11
Hops may also cause an allergic cross-reaction (generally with mild rash and congestion) in people who are allergic to birch pollen.
.5-1oz bag
approximately .5-1.5 ounces of dried loose leaf tea. At the rate of 2 tablespoons per cup twice daily there is a roughly a month supply of tea.