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.
Primary chemical constituents of this herb include humulone, lupulinic acid, bitter principle (lupulin), 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. The cold tea of Hops, taken an hour before meals, is particularly good for digestion. Hops can be made into a sachet and placed in ones pillowcase as a sleeping aid and nightmare preventive.