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Botanical name
Humulus lupulus
Also known as .
This close relative of cannabis is both a mellowing relaxant and a satisfying smoke. A great alleviator of nervous tension and indeed an all round nervine tonic, hops eases stress and tension.
Learn about Hops
A close relative of cannabis, Hops has been used for centuries in beer brewing. Ironically, Henry VIII banned the addition of Hops to ales and beers and described Hops as “a wicked weed that would endanger the people.”
Of course, Hops beer is now one of the most freely available and socially acceptable drugs and certainly has ‘endangered the people’ with all the harm and tragedy associated with motor vehicle accidents, social and domestic violence, misadventure, alcoholism, liver damage, fatal drug combinations and so on.
Despite its unholy alliance with beer, Hops is not really ‘a wicked weed’ and is relatively harmless in moderate amounts. This close relative of Cannabis is a mellowing relaxant, great at alleviating nervous tension and indeed an all round nerve tonic. Hops Flowers placed in a dream pillow (along with Mugwort) will produce deep restful sleep, as well as relaxing the neck muscles!
As the hops bud contains lupuline, the smoking of hops gives a mellow effect. Unfortunately, burning hops is a little harsh on the throat and is best blended with Coltsfoot or similar to soften it.
Hops has a long and proven history of use medicinally, being employed mainly for its soothing, sedative, tonic and calming effect on the body and the mind. The strongly bitter flavour largely accounts for its ability to strengthen and stimulate the digestion, increasing gastric and other secretions.
The female flowering heads are harvested in the autumn and can be used fresh or dried. The female fruiting body is anodyne, antiseptic, antispasmodic, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, nervine and sedative.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which herbs should I use for sleep?
Which herbs should I use for sleep?
We have many herbs for sleep that work great on their own or in a blend. The blended teas we offer are gentle and useful when you don't know which is the exact herb to use, but if you want to learn more about the different actions of each sleep herb that would suit your condition, then we can guide you through that.
Below is a quick reference for you, or view the herb profile for further information and FAQs.
Ashwagandha - Promotes sound sleep, regular use not a quick fix.
Passionflower - Sedation and relaxing the nervous system.
Valerian - Sedation, relaxing.
Mulungu - Our most powerful sedating herb, may lead to next day drowsiness.
Skullcap - When you have a busy mind.
California Poppy - Always useful for sleep, especially when pain is the issue.
Hops - Restlessness and anxiety.
Wild Lettuce - Sedating and pain relieving.
Lemon Balm - When low mood is causing sleeplessness.
Blue Lily - Dreamy, relaxing.
Kava - Relaxing and sedating. (Particularly our Borogoru strain)
Chamomile - Gentle relaxant before bed. Soothing and nice.
Lavender - Gentle relaxant before bed. Fragrant and nice.
When should I use Hops for sleep?
When should I use Hops for sleep?
Hops are most commonly associated with brewing beer, but they also have a long history of being used as a natural remedy for sleep disorders. The flowers of the hop plant contain compounds that have sedative effects, making them particularly effective in reducing restlessness and anxiety, both of which can interfere with sleep. Hops are often combined with Valerian root in herbal teas and supplements to create a powerful, natural sleep aid. A warm cup of hops tea before bed can help calm your nervous system and prepare you for a deep, restorative sleep.
Common Uses
Alcohol & Drug Recovery, Alcohol Replacement, Anxiety, Digestion, Digestive Complaints, Gastrointestinal Disorders, Harm Reduction from Cannabis, Harm Reduction from Opiates/Alcohol, Heart Palpitations, Indigestion, Insomnia, Nervous System, Nicotine & Drug Withdrawal, Oedema, Pain, Relaxation, Restlessness, Sedation, Sexual Anxiety, Stress, Teenage Acne, Tension, and Trauma (Emotional).Herbal Actions
Anodyne, Antimicrobial, Antispasmodic, Anxiolytic (Anti-Anxiety), Astringent, Bitter Tonic, Carminative, Choleretic, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Hypnotic, Nervine, Nervine Tonic, and Sedative.Precautions
Hops should not be used in oestrogen-senstive cancers, breastfeeding or in cases of marked depression. May cause drowsiness in high doses.
Precautions
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Hops Flowers
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price $13.50 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per -
Magic Mull Mix
Vendor:Happy Herb CoRegular price From $24.00 AUDRegular priceUnit price / per
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References
Thorpe, R. (2001). Happy High Herbs 6th Ed. Loch: Possibility.com
Plants for a Future (1996-2010) http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Humulus+lupulu
David Hoffman (2003), Medical Herbalism, p.557