Make Hop Tea

Since the popularity of brewing, we have lost touch with the many uses of hops. Hop tea has dated back to the ancient times. The hop oils can help people in many ways. Like the sleep pillows, hop tea aids in insomnia, can promote appetite, cleanses your blood, can relieve arthritis pain, relieve gas and cramps by soothing muscle spasms and some say it can aid smokers with their cravings and nerves (I am not sure about this. I always want to smoke more when I drink). I've also read, it can help women develop more milk while breast feeding and possibly cancer.

Here is a basic recipe I found online.

Basic Hop Infusion or Tea

Place 1 ounce dried hops per 1 quart jar
Fill with boiling water

Strong Infusion ~ Cover jar. Steep for atleast 4 hours but not more than overnight. Strain infusion and store in refrigerator for up to 48 hours. Serve hot or cold.

Hop Tea ~ Steep for 10-20 minutes. Strain and drink. This method is milder flavored as well as less effective. Serve hot or cold

Note: Many people will add other herbs such as, chamomile, peppermint, lemon grass, ginger or other herbs, which can aide in many ways as well.

Chamomile - Has antibacterial, antiseptic and disinfectant properties. Probably why most people drink it when they are sick.
Peppermint - Aides in digestive, respiratory and circulatory systems and is also an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic herb
Lemon Grass - Improves circulation, digestion and promotes oxygen intake
Ginger - Aides respiratory and digestive systems

Haven't got a chance to look too much into it, but OSU hop program has developed a hop that would be great for making tea. This variety does not have as much bittering properties as other varieties. It's called the "Teamaker". Here is an article I found about the variety. Click Here.

If you know more about the "Teamaker," please send me an email. Thanks!

Check out this link This gentleman has broken down tea more in depth. Great site.


Enjoy!

Resources ~
Recipe - http://www.crazyfortea.com/hopsherb.html

Sweet Hop Pillow Dreams

Hops are the most effective used herb in sleep pillows. The female hop cones create lupulin under there bracts. Lupulin is a powdery substance that creates a mild narcotic sedative, which can induce relaxation and peacefulness during sleep.

To make them, you would use the dried hop flower, better known for flavoring beer . You want to be sure you have a sweet hop variety, like maybe the Fuggle or Golding.

Sweet Hop Mix*

4 cups hop bracts
2 Tbs. ground allspice
2 Tbs. dried orange peel
2 Tbs. lemon balm
2 Tbs. pinhead orris root mixed with a few drops of essential oils of allspice and neroli (orange blossom)

Will fill a pillow 12-14 inches square or you can make many small filled socks. Anything you have laying around. To mild the smell of hops, if too potent add lime flowers, lemon verbena, rosemary, chamomile, lavender, rose, thyme or mint. You don't have to follow this recipe, be creative.. Think about the herbs that smell good to you and use them.

Note: Replace every 4-6 months. Stale hops release a horrible scent that may keep you awake. *

CAUTION: Two important things to keep in mind with hops! **
1. Should not be used with pregnant women because of estrogenic-like activity. **
2. Do Not use if on prescription sedatives and/or sleep medications unless instructed by physician. **


Sources -
* "Sweet dreams are made of this", Vegetarian Times, Sep 1995, Pg 83
** "Sweet Dreams herbs for sleep and relaxation", Better Nutrition, Oct 2000, Pg 62