Hops is also known by the name Hop Bine. Hops grows throughout Europe, Asia and North America, and belongs to the same group of plants as the stinging nettle. The word "Hops" comes from "hoppan", meaning "to climb" in reference to Hops being a climbing vine. Ancient Hebrews used Hops to deter the spread of the Bubonic Plague. Hops gained acceptance in England as an ingredient in beer and as a medicinal herb in 17th century. Hops gives beer its distinctive taste and prevents bacterial growth. For centuries, it has also been considered valuable as a food, whereby the young shoots have been eaten like asparagus in many countries. American Indians made a sedative from the blossoms, and they also applied heated, dried flowers to relieve toothaches. The hormonal effects of Hops were noticed when female gatherers of the plants got their menstrual cycles early. Primary chemical constituents of this herb include humulone, lupulinic acid, bitter principle, essential oil, valerianic acid, flavonoids (Quercetin, Rutin), choline, phytoestrogens, and tannin. Hops is rich in vitamin C and B-complex, and also contains various minerals. Many herbal preparations for insomnia combine Hops with more potent sedative herbs, such as valerian. Hops tea is recommended for conditions of nervous diarrhea, insomnia, and restlessness. It can also help to stimulate appetite, dispel flatulence, and relieve intestinal cramps. This herb can be usefully combined with valerian for coughs and nervous spasmodic conditions. The cold tea of Hops, taken an hour before meals, is particularly good for digestion. Hops also has diuretic properties and can be taken for various problems with water retention and excess uric acid. Hops can be made into a sachet and placed in ones pillowcase as a sleeping aid and nightmare preventive. |
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Valerian Root was a very popular sleep sedative in the United States until it was displaced by synthetic drugs after World War II. Clinical studies have shown that people taking Valerian Root had shown significantly improved sleep quality without morning grogginess. Some researchers have compared Valerian Root to benzodiazepines such as ValiumT. However, Valerian is a much milder and safer sedative. Unlike ValiumT, Valerian is not addictive or does not promote dependency. And Valerian's sedative effect is not significantly exaggerated by alcohol and barbiturates (unlike ValiumT), and also has not been linked to any birth defects (again, unlike ValiumT). Valerian is a smooth muscle and skeletal relaxant, as well as a premier sedative that aids in anxiety, stress and insomnia. The primary chemical constituents of Valerian Root include valepotriates, alkaloids, valerenic acid, essential oils, caffeic acid, beta-sitosterol, tannin, manganese, calcium, choline, and B vitamins. Valerian Root contains essential oils that appear to contribute to the sedating properties of the herb. Central nervous system sedation is regulated by receptors in the brain known as GABA-A receptors. Valerian may weakly bind to these receptors to exert a sedating effect. Recent studies indicate that valepotriates and valerenic acid can bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepine drugs. It reduces hypertension due to stress and reduces pain from shingles. Experiments in Italy and Germany conducted for the past 15 years have found that valerian preparations are effective in treating children with psychomotor agitation (hyperactivity) and behavioral disorders. In fact, in these children, the preparation enhanced motor coordination and maintained reaction time, while calming anxiety and fears, curing restlessness and curbing aggression.
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