Hops: Whispers of the Brew Master’s Garden

Hello there, spice lovers!

Welcome back to another edition of WishGarden’s Herb of the Month! This month we’re diving deep into the world of hops, the herb that not only serves to make your favorite IPA (although we love a good craft brew), but also provides important benefits for the body.

Get ready for some botany, medicinal magic, historical hi-jinks and, of course, a lip-smacking recipe that will make you the hoppiest person at any gathering.

Botany: The hoppy green delight

Let’s start with a little botany 101. Hops, scientifically known as Humulus lupulus, are the flowering cones of the female hop plant, also called ‘hop strobiles’. These perennial climbers can grow up to 25 feet tall (talk about reaching new heights!) and are members of the Cannabaceae family. Yes, you heard right: the same family as cannabis! No wonder hops are so cold.

These green beauties are dioecious, meaning there are different male and female plants. We appreciate the female flowers, packed with lupulin glands that give hops their characteristic aroma and flavor. Think of them as nature’s little treasure chests, packed with valuable aromatic oils and resins.

Medicinal use: hops to the rescue! Now hops aren’t just for your favorite beer; they have a serious reputation for spices. Hops have been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its soothing, calming properties. But they also contain ingredients that support our immunity and intestinal health. Here are some ways hops can be your herbal BFF:

Sleep aid extraordinaire: tossing and turning? Hop is behind you. Their seriously soothing properties make them a popular ingredient in natural sleep aids. Add hops to your nighttime routine and you’ll be floating off to dreamland in no time.

Anxiety Antidote: Are You Feeling Exhausted? Hops can help you soothe. They have been shown to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, making them perfect for stressful days.

Digestive dynamo: Hops can also boost your digestion. Their bitter compounds stimulate appetite and aid digestion. So, the next time you’re feeling a little under the weather, reach for some hop-infused bitters.

History and folklore: hopping through time

Hops have a rich history that is as fascinating as it is tasty. Let’s time travel a little, shall we?

Hops were first cultivated in ancient China, but it was the Germans who really fell in love with them around the 8th century. By the 12th century, hops found their way into beer, thanks to some progressive Benedictine monks. These hops not only added flavor, but also acted as a preservative and foam stabilizer, revolutionizing the brewing process.

Folklore fun

Hops also have their share of folklore. In medieval Europe, hop pillows were a popular remedy for sleeping problems. It was believed that placing a bag of hops under your pillow would prevent bad dreams and ensure a good night’s sleep. And let’s not forget the old wives’ tale that hops can cure melancholy – another reason to keep this herb close at hand!

WishGarden loves hops!

We rely on hops to enhance many of our radical remedies. Here is a list of where you can find them and how they support our health:

1. Badass bitters – The bitter properties of hops make this pre-meal formula a game changer for your digestive tract.
2. Kick-Ass biotic – Hops are resinous and resins help our immune system fight all kinds of insects!
3. Severe Cough PM Soothing Syrup – Cough keeps you awake at night? Let hops calm your sleep schedule while supporting your immune system.
4. Serious relaxer – The soothing properties of hops help this formula soothe your nerves and muscles like a bubble bath in a bottle!
5. Sleepy nights – You don’t have to suffer in your sleep. Let hops, passionflower and scullcap sing you to sleep.
6. Happy Channels – Congested and uncomfortable? Hops add a kick to this formula by supporting immunity and helping you get your flow back.

Hoppy recipe: hop-infused honey syrup

Okay, now let’s get to the fun part: a recipe that will make you the star of your next brunch, cocktail or mocktail hour. Introducing hop-infused honey syrup! This versatile syrup can be used in everything from cocktails to desserts.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of honey
• 2 tablespoons dried hops
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions:

1. Simmer and infuse: Bring the water to a gentle boil in a small pan. Add the dried hops and let steep for about 10 minutes, making sure the water does not boil too hard.
2. Sweeten the deal: Remove from the heat and strain out the hops. Stir in the honey until it is completely dissolved. Add vanilla extract if using.
3. Cool and store: Let the syrup cool to room temperature and then pour it into a clean jar or bottle. Store in the refrigerator for up to one month.

How to use:

• Cocktails/mocktails: Add a tablespoon to your favorite gin or whiskey cocktail or mocktail with herbs and a flavored sparkling water of your choice for a unique twist.
• Tea: Stir it into your evening chamomile tea for an extra relaxing blend.
• Desserts: Drizzle over vanilla ice cream or pancakes for a delicious treat.

And there you have it! Enjoy the wonders of hops, from their fascinating history to their soothing benefits and delicious recipes. On to happy, healthy herbal adventures!

Rebecca Younger is passionate about herbs and women’s health. She strives to plant seeds of inspiration within her community about plant medicine and healthier ways of living. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver and is a certified Doula through the Matrona Foundation. She is the brand communications specialist at WishGarden Herbs.

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.

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