Hop flowers are formally known as Lupulus strobula and also as European Hops and Lupulin. Hops are actually green cones that are located around the female flower of the hop plant. On the inside of these hops is found a greenish-yellow powder that has been used for centuries to make beer taste incredibly delicious - and to make people experience a reduced sexual libido. In fact, 15th century Germanic monks were given hopped-up teas in order to keep them chaste. Hops are comprised from the following:

·           80% bitter resin;

·           Tannins;

·           Flavonoid antioxidants;

·           Lupulone;

·           Humulone;

Both the cones and the powders inside are dried and cut and then used in tinctures, infusions, teas and encapsulations to help you:

·           Use as a sedative. Note that the sedating chemicals humulone and lupulone reach peak strength after aging for a minimum of 6 months;

·           Stimulate digestion;

·           Treatment for sores and skin injuries;

·           Relieve bladder infection pains;

·           Use as a soak for red or white meats before cooking to reduce the formation of HCAs (heterocyclic amines) that cause cancer;

Hops are relatively safe except for in cases where there is an chronic overconsumption of beer. This can lead to male erectile dysfunction amongst other conditions.