Hops

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Hops

The hops plant, Humulus Lupulus, belongs to the Cannabaceae family (the same genus as Cannabis sativa/indica, or marijuana). Used by some people as a sedative-hypnotic, hops are most familiar as a beer ingredient, where they add a bitter taste and act as a preservative. A perennial vine, it grows up to 20 feet (6 meters) long. Fruits or flowers appear in conelike leafy bracts at the base of the flower balk, and typically measure 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 cm) long.

Effects:

Hops are traditionally used for relaxation, sedation and to treat insomnia, depressions and menopausesymptoms. They are also used to ease muscle spasms and to stimulate the digestive system.

Hops flavor, bitter, and preserve beer. They promote appetite and sleep and reduce anxiety. Recently research has looked at anti-cancer and anti-viral effects. Similar weed like experience was reported when smoking hops.

Dosage:

Hops come in herbal tea preparations. Dried hops can be smoked too. No specific dose is recommended because hops commonly are used in combination with Valeriana as a tea to improve sleeping quality.