Although we associate hops with traditional English beer, the plant is a comparative newcomer, introduced from Germany in the 16th century. Enthusing about the hop's many virtues, John Gerard, writing in 1597, urges that "beer" be considere...
* Please Note: This information is based partly on Traditional Medicine which uses natural materials to support health. This information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor.
Description
Although we associate hops with traditional English beer, the plant is a comparative newcomer, introduced from Germany in the 16th century. Enthusing about the hop's many virtues, John Gerard, writing in 1597, urges that "beer" be considered a "phisicall drink to keep the body in health [rather] than an ordinary drinke for the quenching of our thirst". A few years earlier in 1562, William Turner noted in his "New Herbal" that he was amazed that, given the herb's numerous properties, physicians did not "use it more in medicine".
Just as in brewing, the female flowers or strobiles are used medicinally. They are strongly sedating, so should be avoided by those liable to depression. Their anaphrodisiac action may be familiar to beer drinkers: excessive consumption can lead to loss of libido.
This anaphrodisiac action is due to oestrogen-like compounds in the plant. Women hop pickers often experienced menstrual irregularities and early periods while working in the hop fields and breathing in the herb's potent aromatic oils.
Hops contain between 30,000 and 300,000 IU of oestrogen in100 g, so it is hardly surprising that beer has such a dramatic effect on the male libido.
Hops are also bitter, so they make an effective digestive stimulant. Hops are also a good restorative for the nervous system. Hops are often used for stress, irritability and anxiety as well as, of course, insomnia. Hop strobiles (the female flowers, leafy and cone-shaped) oxidise rapidly, so properties can vary markedly on drying and after storing for any time. Fresher herb is best for insomnia - the hops in hop pillows need to be changed every few months to ensure continuing activity. Dried hops tend to be more restorative and stimulating for the nervous system.
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Directions
Apply Bianca Rosa cream morning and evenings, or as directed by a health care practitioner. On a moist cotton wool pad or with the fingertips, apply to the desired area of the body. Massage onto thoroughly cleansed skin with a gentle circular motion.
Cautions
Not to be used during pregnancy and lactation. Do not exceed recommended dose.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Products are intended to support general well being and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure any condition or disease. If conditions persist, please seek advice from your medical doctor. The essence of the current American rule on Traditional Uses is, as stated by FTC, "Claims based on historical or traditional use should be substantiated by confirming scientific evidence, or should be presented in such a way that consumers understand that the sole basis for the claim is a history of use of the product for a particular purpose."
