Hops are a very attractive, climbing herb with many uses, both culinary and medicinal
The use of hops revolutionized brewing, since it enabled beer to be kept longer. Hops have also been used as medicine for at least as long as for brewing. Traditionally, hops were considered soothing to the stomach, an appetite stimulant, slightly sedative, a sleep aid, and a diuretic. A popular way of using hops as a sleep aid was to stuff a pillow with the flowers. A poultice of hops was used to relieve pain and a tea was taken to relieve muscle spasms and soothe the nerves.
Common hops are a hardy perennial and a herbaceous (woody) climber with a height up to 20 feet. There are separate female and male plants. The male plant has yellowish flowers growing in branched clusters. The female plant has tiny greenish yellow, scented flowers hidden by scales. The scales become papery when the fruiting heads are ripe. The stems are hollow, and are covered with tiny hooked prickles. These enable the plant to cling to trees, shrubs, or anything else.
