Hops has an extremely calming effect on the body. It is an old-fashioned (and effective) way to relieve insomnia and anxiety when nervous tension takes its toll. Hops will also soothe your digestive system and ease cramps and pain.

Used as a nervine and tonic, Hops has a calming effect on the entire body. It is said to have a soothing effect on the nervous system that is helpful in treating restlessness, anxiety, stress, nervous diarrhea, hyperactivity, fits, delirium tremens and, of course, insomnia.

Hops has been used for centuries to relieve pain. Used both internally and externally, Hops is considered an anodyne that is thought to ease stomach pains, earache, neuralgia and toothache.

As a further demonstration of soothing the body, Hops is excellent for the digestive system, calming the smooth muscle and easing muscle spasms (supporting the herb's historical use to treat cramps and menstrual pain). The bitter principle in Hops is considered a fine stomachic and tonic that stimulates gastric juice secretion, which promotes good digestion, relieves and expels flatulence, eases colic, nervous stomach, intestinal cramps, indigestion, and nervous intestinal complaints, including irritable bowel syndrome. In addition, Hops is used to pep up the appetite.

Hops possesses antiseptic qualities that counteract bacteria. As such, Hops has been used to kill intestinal parasites (worms) and treat gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted diseases. When used externally, Hops are included in poultices that are effective against inflammation, boils, tumors, old chronic ulcers, herpes, eczema, wounds, leg ulcers and painful swellings.

As a tonic for the liver, Hops is thought to increase the flow of bile and was used historically for liver afflictions, such as jaundice.

Hops is used as a diuretic and is believed to relieve water retention and excess uric acid.

Contraindications: Pregnant women should not take Hops, nor should people who suffer from depression, since the herb is thought to be a mild depressant on the higher nerve centers. Do not exceed recommended doses, and Hops should not be taken for more than a few days in succession. Since there appears to be estrogenic activity in Hops, it is recommended that the herb not be taken in combination with medicines such as oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy; and children who have not reached puberty should not take Hops. Women with estrogen-sensitive disorders, especially estrogen dependent breast cancer should avoid this herb. Use of Hops increases the potency of anesthetics, anxiety drugs, and insomnia medications and should not be taken without first consulting a physician.

Disclaimer:
The information presented herein by Genesis 1 Nutrition is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent a medical or health condition. Before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider. Individual results may vary. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional health care provider.