The hops herb is found growing on a climbing vine in Europe and Asia. It is commonly gathered from temperate climates to be used in beer production. These are considered the female version of this herb, as there are both male and female flowers that sprout from separate plants. When the hops plant is not being saved for that very popular beverage, it can be found treating various conditions.

Firstly, hops can be used to relieve indigestion. It is filled with a bitter substance, which effects the reflex reaction in the central nervous system. Digestive juices are released, and that uncomfortable feeling of being a tad too full is alleviated as the food is properly digested. Additionally, the hops herb relieves flatulence through aiding the flow of bile and altering the chemical contents found in the large intestine.

Insomnia can also be treated through the use of hops. It is a well acknowledged aid for sleep. However, it is important that the hops be aged up to two years to be most effective. This allows two of the compounds in the herb, humulone and lupulone to combine together and form a substance that rivals prescriptions drugs. The ultimate benefit, unlike prescribed Librium and Valium is that there are no harmful side effects or risk of becoming dependent.

You can purchase hops through capsules, powders, tinctures and teas. However, the hops herb contains prenylnaringenin, which is an intense plant estrogen. Therefore any children who have not undergone the process of puberty should never be given doses of hops. This similarly includes pregnant women, women afflicted with estrogen-sensitive conditions and men who have gynecomastia (an enlargement of the breast tissue) or erectile dysfunction.

Those seeking to lose weight may also want to avoid the ingestion of hops, even through beer form. The term “beer belly” had to stem from somewhere, you know.

If you have been using the hops herb, it is important to break from it two weeks prior to any surgical procedure. It can have a strong effect on anesthetics, so you should also inform your doctor that you have been taking hops before you participate in any operation.

Finally, you should not ingest hops during the day if you know you will be driving or operating any heavy machinery, or if you have been given a diagnosis of depression.