HOPS
(Humulus lupulus)
common hops

Description: A perennial climbing vine. Stems are rough, generously armed with small curved prickles. Leaves are rough, opposite, cordate, serrate, 3-5-lobed. Flowers, yellowish-green, male flowers arranged in hanging panicles, female in catkins which develop into scaly, cone-like fruit in pairs with leafy, imbricated bracts and distinct scent of beer. Pacific west U.S., in rich, moist land.Widely cultivated, mainly for the brewing industry.

Edible, Medicinal: The young shoots are eaten as a vegetable and leaves blanched for soups. The ripe, female flower cluster, called strobiles, "hops" are added to beer for flavor, to clarify and preserve it. Anodyne, diuretic, febrifuge, hypnotic, sedative, tonic. Hop tea is a nerve tonic, a mild sedative and a muscle relaxant. Induces sleep, prevents nightmares. A cure, for some, in uncontrolled sexual desires and a quarrelsome nature. Also used for earache, toothache, neuralgia. Tones the liver, increases flow of urine and bile. The estrogen content increases lactation , therefore soothes irritable infants. An aphrodisiac for men. For external use, hop poultices made from crushed hops made into a paste with water and bran and applied cold for inflammations, swellings, sores, boils, skin rashes, tumors and cysts. A rub for congested lungs or chest pains is 1/2 cup hops, 2 eucalyptus leaves, 1 tsp. peppermint leaves steeped in 1/2 pint vinegar. Reheat and use hot. The essential oil is used in perfumes and lotions. Pillows made of muslin and stuffed with dried hops and lavender can be helpful for restless sleep.

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