Hops / Pi Jiu Hua
Humulus Lupulus
This perennial grows in long vines. It gives forth both female and male flowers. Their greenish yellow color reflects the sunlight. Selam says in reference to the virtue of hops, “I overcome all difficulties.” About 4 years ago, one of my dearest friends, Julie, decided to begin farming hops in her family’s field in Rollinsford NH. When I first met hops, it was a hot day in August. We hopped on a tractor and began the process of watering the hops. It seemed like a never ending process! But as the sun set, I became captivated by the color of the hops reflecting the hues of the red to orange to yellow sunset. The colors pulled me in and I realized their power in connecting with consciousness and why Julie was putting in the work to cultivate a whole field of hops. I also had the very best night of sleep I’d ever had! Hops has a cold energy and a bitter taste. It is most commonly associated with the Fire Element and secondarily the Wood Element.
Eastern Properties
Clears Heat
Calms the Shen
Regulates Liver Qi
Clears Toxins
Tonifies Yin
Reduces Stones
Western Properties
Sedative
Nervine
Tonic
Diuretic
Anodyne
Stimulant
Vulnerary
Medicinal Uses
Tinctures are used to calm the nervous system, relax the body, induce sleep, and stimulate appetite.
Poultices are used to treat rashes, bruises, boils and pain.
Linaments are used to treat rheumatic conditions and arthritis.
An infusion of the oil is used for inducing dream and sleep states.
Magical Lore
It has been rumored to be used as a hypnotic.
It is considered a religious herb and was originally used in ritual beverages and sacramental ales.
Dream pillows have been historically made with hops.
Heal with Hops