Hops – Better known for Beer Making

Hops are the dried female flowers of the Humulus lupulus vine, from the same plant family as Cannabis. It is most commonly used as one of the main ingredients in beer and yields a bitter, tangy flavour while acting as a natural preservative.

Hop varieties are split into the three categories: bittering, aroma and dual, depending on their intended purpose. Some popular hop varieties in South Africa include the African Queen, Southern Aroma, Southern Passion and Southern Star.

Hops has a marked relaxing effect, useful for insomnia while relieving anxiety.  It is known to stimulate the appetite too.  It has been successfully used to treat cardiovascular disorders, hyperactivity, nervousness, pain, restlessness, shock, stress and even toothache. Hops are a plant-based hormone and very similar to estrogen when used fresh. This would help menstrual and menopausal issues.

Hops should not be used by people who take antidepressants or are experiencing depression as it will further depress the system.