Most of us
know Hops as it is related to beer. But there is more to hops than just giving
beer its taste, and going along with pizza and sporting events.
I was originally
introduced to the benefits of Hops from a friend who told me about an old wives
tale of adding beer to Epsom salts and hot bath water to help decrease muscle
pain. This was long before I started
practicing massage or even receiving massage.
One night after a hard day of work and coming home with sore muscles I
decided to try this remedy. To my amazement, I ended up falling asleep in the
tub and waking feeling like a wet noodle. I dried off and went right to bed. I
felt great the next morning and now use this remedy anytime I need fast relief
and cannot get a massage. Sometimes I’ll even use it after a massage just to
ensure better results for myself.
Though there
is not much conclusive research about the medicinal benefits nor exactly what
aspects of the plant’s chemical make-up help reduce muscle pain and support
joint functioning, recently the International Society for Horticultural Science
did publish a study that does support its medicinal uses.
Hops is named
after its fruit. It is related to the cannabis family and is native to the
Northern hemisphere.
What I can
gather, Hops has a high source of Vit B3 (Niacin), Vit C, Manganese, Calcium,
Magnesium, Potassium, Valerianic Acid.
The aroma of Hops can enter the limbic system. It would be the combined work of Hops’
Valerianic Acid and its ability to affect the limbic system, that a person can become
drowsy. The hops can also cross the blood brain barrier which is another route to the limbic system. The Vit B3 affecting the peripheral circulation can help bring new
blood and oxygen to the muscles. While Vit C can help decrease inflammation and
help with muscle repair. The Minerals can all help with regaining electrolyte balance
and help ease muscle soreness. When combined with Epsom salts, which also
contains Magnesium and hot water, we achieve a synergistic affect and more
benefits occur.
I have not yet
tried buying dried hops and boiling them to add to hot bath water and Epsom
salts but I think it would have the same effect as using beer. I have been told you can put the hobs in cheese cloth and add that to the bath water allowing it to brew in the tub. I use what I
consider cheap beer, but you can use whatever is handy.
Now you have
some idea of other uses of your beer.
As always,
make sure to consult your doctor before using any plant or substance that can
affect your health. And also remember that if a medicine you already take
achieves the same result, taking a plant on top of that will increase any
positive or negative effects. Therefore, only use one and if possible go the
natural route especially if you have the support of a Naturopathic Doctor.
