Hops tea has a number of benefits and has been used for many years to help people to achieve a good night’s sleep. The hops plant is a climber, which has a flower surrounded with green cones.
It is the green cones which are of benefit medicinally. The cones contain golden grains which have been used for making beer.
Different hops varieties have been developed in order to make different types of beer. Hops are now grown commercially in many parts of the world, and hops tea can be easily made by infusing the dried hops in hot water for several hours. The resulting tea can be drunk either hot or cold.
The benefits of hops extract and tea include:
- Encouraging a good night’s sleep. The tea or tincture can be taken just before bedtime. Dried hops can also be made into a herbal pillow to induce a restful sleep.
- Its calming effects are useful for those who suffer from stress and anxiety.
- It is useful for digestive disorders which are aggravated by stress.
- Hops extract is also beneficial as an anti-inflammatory. It can be used to soothe conditions such as arthritis.
- It is also an effective anti-spasmodic, which makes it a useful treatment for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
A hops supplement can help to ease the symptoms of constipation. - It is effective on infections, as it has anti-bacterial properties and can be used to ease the pain of infections in the bladder and urinary tract.
- Hops contains plant estrogens, which makes a hops supplement beneficial for those going through the menopause and can help with menstrual problems.
- Hops can stimulate the digestive system and is useful for treating indigestion and encouraging the production of stomach acid.
- The cooled hops tea can be used as a compress externally on wounds and areas afflicted with arthritis to ease the pain.
Hops can help to detoxify the system by encouraging the body to eliminate waste products. - It can encourage milk production in breastfeeding mothers.
Hops Essential Oil
Also available is a hops essential oil, a few drops of which can be put on a pillow or on a tissue or cotton pad close to the bed. Hops can also be blended with other herbs that have a similar effect. Valerian and hops together is a popular choice.
The essential oil can also be added to a carrier oil and used as a massage over the abdomen to ease menstrual cramps.
Hops Tea Side Effects
Those people with excess stomach acid should not use a hops supplement, as it can encourage the production of more acid. Some people may experience a mild stomach upset with this herb.
Serious side effects are rare, though some people have reported a skin rash. Pregnant women should not use hops extract or tea due to the effect it may have on the reproductive system. Hops supplements are considered to be generally safe to use, though if in any doubt consult a qualified practitioner.
Buy Hops
Bulk hops can be purchased at fine health food shops everywhere or you can buy hops online at Mountain Rose Herbs here.
Visit Mountain Rose Herbs for the freshest organic herbs, teas, spices, and essential oils.
