Hops

Hops – More Than Just an Ingredient in Beer

You probably know that hops are one of the major ingredients in the popular beverage beer. It’s a plant that’s been used to brew the beverage for centuries. However, hops can be used for much more than making an alcoholic liquid. In fact, you’ll wonder why you didn’t know more about hops before.

Dried hops can be used for a variety of things. For example, if you’re having problems with inflammation of a joint or other area of the body, you can create a poultice of dried hops. When you apply it directly to the affected area, you’ll enjoy soothing relief. In addition, hops can be put in a sachet made of cheesecloth or old nylons and placed under your pillow. This will help you to fall asleep and have sweet dreams if you’re suffering from insomnia.

If you suffer from menstrual cramps that sometimes seem unbearable, hops can also help you to find relief. The plant works to fight muscle spasms that cause the painful cramps. In addition, it can fight spasms in the respiratory system that cause asthma.

This work with muscle spasms extends to the digestive system as well. If you suffer from indigestion or irritable bowel syndrome, hops can bring relief by relaxing the muscles of the digestive system. In addition, hops can be a good treatment for increasing your appetite if you’ve lost it due to illness.

Hops can be used in many forms such as infusions, liquid extracts, tinctures, oils, and tablets. You’ll need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions before taking it to make sure you get the dosage correct. You may also find that hops are an ingredient in teas that are designed to help you sleep at night.

While the hop plant is best known for its role in beer production, the truth is that it’s a handy little plant. It can provide a variety of healthful benefits that make it the perfect solution for some health problems.

One word to the wise, hops can actually cause some skin irritation if you handle the plant directly. It can cause dermatitis and eye irritation if you get it in your eyes. In addition, some people have an allergy to hops. Make sure to handle hops with care so you can avoid these irritations and complications. Used correctly, hops can be a great addition to your herbal regimen. You may wonder how you ever lived without it.