Dried, organic hops (Humulus lupulus) loose herb (flowers) from Germany

Traditional use: The herb is used mostly for its sedative effect. Hops helps to reduce irritability and restlessness and promotes a good night's sleep. Hops is often blended with passion flower and scullcap for natural relief from stress, anxiety, tension, and headaches. In addition, hops is beneficial for the digestion, increasing stomach secretions and relaxing spasms and colic.

Modern use: The German Commission E monograph recommends hops as a natural remedy for mood disturbances such as restlessness and anxiety, sleep disturbances.  Hops was found to contain a strong phytoestrogen constituent and may be of particular benefit in the presence of hot flushes in menopause.