🌿 Hops (Humulus lupulus)

Also known as: Hop Flowers • Beer Flower • Hop Cones
Family: Cannabaceae (Hemp family)
Origin: Europe, now cultivated worldwide
Parts Used: Dried Flowers (Cones)
Primary Use: Internal & External

✨ Description

Soft, aromatic, and quietly powerful, Hops are the flowering cones of the climbing hop vine — most famous for flavoring beer, but deeply valued in herbal medicine for their calming and sedative qualities.

For centuries, herbalists have used Hops to ease anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia, helping the body unwind and the mind release tension. Its rich essential oils — especially humulone and lupulin — act as natural nervines that soothe the nervous system and encourage peaceful sleep without grogginess.

Beyond relaxation, Hops support digestive health, hormonal balance, and liver detoxification, making them a versatile herb for daily balance and calm.

🍵 Dried Herb Uses

As a calming, digestive, and sleep-supporting tonic:

Relaxation: Calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety or irritability.
Sleep Aid: Promotes deeper, more restful sleep and helps relieve insomnia.
Digestive Support: Eases tension in the stomach and supports bile flow.
Hormone Balance: Naturally supports female hormone health and menopause comfort.
Liver Cleanse: Gentle detoxification through increased bile secretion.

Directions (Internal Use):
Steep 1–2 teaspoons of Hops Flowers in 8 oz of hot water for 10–15 minutes.
Drink before bedtime or after a stressful day.
For a stronger sleep tea, combine with Chamomile, Valerian Root, or Passion Flower.

💧 External Uses

Pillow Sachets: Place dried Hops in a sleep pillow or sachet for natural aromatherapy.
Bath Soak: Add to evening baths to ease tension and promote rest.
Skin Toner: Used in herbal infusions to balance oily or irritated skin.

🔮 Metaphysical & Energetic Uses

Tranquility & Release: Dissolves emotional heaviness and nervous agitation.
Grounding Energy: Helps settle restless minds and sleepless nights.
Dream Work: Supports lucid dreaming and intuitive rest.

Affirmation:

“I rest deeply and peacefully — my body and spirit find calm in every breath.”

🌿 Pairing Suggestions

Valerian Root or Passion Flower – for sleep and stress relief.
Chamomile or Lemon Balm – for gentle relaxation and digestive calm.
Skullcap or Blue Vervain – for tension and nervous exhaustion.
Lavender or Rose – for emotional soothing and heart balance.

🌼 Harvest & Sourcing

Our Hops Flowers are hand-harvested at full bloom, when the cones are rich in yellow lupulin powder — the source of their scent and potency.
They are air-dried at low temperatures to preserve their natural essential oils and delicate aroma.

⚖️ Energetics & Taste

Taste: Bitter, floral, and slightly resinous.
Energetic Profile: Cooling, drying, relaxing, and grounding.
Pairs well with: Valerian, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, or Skullcap.

⚠️ Warnings

Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
May cause drowsiness — do not operate machinery after use.
Avoid if allergic to Cannabaceae family (hemp/hops).
Not recommended for long-term use without breaks.

🌻 A Note from the Herbalist

Hops teach the medicine of surrender — the art of letting go.
They remind us that rest is as sacred as action and that peace is a form of strength.
Drink deeply, exhale fully, and let the day melt away — nature will take care of the rest.