- Description
- Benefits
- Directions
- Test Report
- Recipes
This lovely plant has a very rich history of use, dating back to ancient Egypt, where it was used as a salad plant as early as the 1st century. Hops are the female flowers (also called cones or catkins) of Humulus Lupulus, a climbing plant in the Cannabaceae family — the same plant family as Hemp! It’s scientific name, Humulus Lupulus means “soil” and “small wolf”, as it has a tendency to strangle other plants if not tended. The Romans even said that hops grew “wild among the willows, like wolves among sheep".
Still, Hops' main claim to fame in today's world comes from its use in beer. In brewing, hops are appreciated as a flavoring agent, and they also stabilize the bacterial growth of the brew by killing off the undesirable microbial growth, while allowing the beneficial yeasts to continue thriving. For this reason, it is sometimes referred to as "beer flower". Hops are also very good for digestion.
Hops is very high in certain anti-flammatory components called alpha-caryophyllene and beta-caryophyllene, which are also some of the main chemical components in Cannabis Sativa and Copaiba essential oils. Hops essential oil is also very high in myrcene, which is a terpene that is known for its presence in certain strains of Cannabis and commonly sought out for its ability to support sleep and ease pain and inflammation. Historically, many Native American tribes have used Hops to treat pain and insomnia.
Hops also contains a lot of phyto-estrogens, which causes many women who work with this plant to experience delay in menses. The presence of these plant estrogens make it useful for easing symptoms related to menopause, painful menstruation, and also increasing milk production in breastfeeding mothers. In the past, Christian monks even used hops to decrease their libido.
Energetically and emotionally, this plant may be used to work through emotional issues relating to creativity and sexuality. It is believed to help support people in learning to differentiate between lust and love. It has also historically been used for dream divination… the word “hops” is derived from the Anglo word “hoppon”, meaning “to climb”. This association was most likely made in reference to the plant’s desire to climb, but this word also reflects on its ability to support the subconscious in climbing into other realms for calm and clarity.
Properties: Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic, Nervine, Stomachic, Tonic
Blends with: Citrus oils, Copaiba, Nutmeg, Pine, and Spice oils
Specific Benefits of Hops Essential Oil:
** Not recommended for those who are prone to depression.
Nerve Tonic
Tones, feeds, strengthens, relaxes, and rehabilitates the nervous system. This allows Hops to be a powerful plant ally for helping with sleep, stress, and pain. Having a relaxed and healthy nervous system is necessary for tapping into receptive, yin states of being.
Pain relief
Hops has many of the same chemical components as Copaiba and Cannabis. It's properties as a nerve tonic make it wonderful for easing all kinds of pain, including nerve pain, tension, sore muscles, menstrual cramps, and headaches. If you are experiencing pain in your body, try diluting some Hops essential oil into your favorite carrier oil and massaging it into the area.
Headaches
Pain relief is one of Hops' most common uses. Rubbing a little bit of Hops essential oil on the temples or back of the neck has been used to soothe headaches and migraines. This application often works best when diluted in a carrier oil.
Sleep & Insomnia
Another of Hops' primary benefits is the way that is supports deep and restful sleep. Studies show that people who use Hops fall asleep more quickly and wake up less often. This is because Hops relaxes and strengthens the nervous system, easing tension in your body and reducing stress. Many Native American tribes use Hops as treatment for insomnia, and its affects are so well-known that many spiritual practices also use the Hops catkins in charms to invoke sleep and rest.
Calms Stress & Anxiety
Because Hops is so good for relaxing, toning and strengthening your nervous system, it also helps with stress and anxiety! It can be used to help panic attacks, reduce nervousness, ease stress, encourage a healthy stress response, and promote an overall feeling of calm and serenity.
Hair health
The chemical compounds found in Hops nurture hair follicles in a way that can encourage stronger, healthier looking hair. Try incorporating a few drops of Hops essential oil in a hair rinse with water, tea (hibiscus, black, mullein, or chamomile are all good choices), and raw apple cider vinegar.
Menstruation & Menopause
Contains phytoestrogens and flavonoids that may help to relieve hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and insomnia related to menopause. Hops can also be used to ease symptoms of PMS and menstruation, such as pain or irritability.
Digestion
Hops is known to improve appetite and digestion. The bitterness of hops is very good for the stomach.
Deep Relaxation Herbal Bath:
4 drops Hops
3 drops Lavender (choose from Bulgarian, Kashmir, or New Zealand)
2 drops Sage
2 drops Chamomile (choose from Roman or German)