THE FASCINATING HISTORY OF HOPS
What sets hops apart in the realm of botanicals?
One of the key reasons behind the efficacy of hops lies in their abundance of bioactive compounds. Among these, xanthohumol stands out due to its unique chemical structure and its high concentration in hops. Scientific studies have now confirmed that xanthohumol and related hop compounds possess a wide range of potential health benefits. Hops are ancient and have been a part of our diet for centuries, thought to have been originally brought to the UK in 900 AD by the Romans.Hops have long been revered for their medicinal properties, with a history dating back centuries. Nicholas Culpepper, the renowned herbalist-physician of the 17th century, recommended hops for the “cleansing of the blood” and various other medical ailments. In Germany, hops were employed in soothing gynaecological treatments and even today, hop pillows are used for their soporific effects.
Used throughout history for healing and prevention, here are some of the cultures outside of Europe who would have grown and used hops as medicine.
Native American tribes used hops to treat anxiety, rheumatism, aches and pains including toothache and earache, gynecological and breast issues. Also as an aid for kidney inflammation, stones and gastrointestinal disturbances, coughs and colds.
In Indian-Ayurvedic medicine hops were widely used for the treatment of nervous tension, headache and indigestion. As a sedative and antibacterial remedy.
In Asia including China, Korea and Japan they were used as a sedative, sleep aid, to relieve colic and to treat tuberculosis.The Arabic world believed that hops helped with the purification of blood, reduced fever and was a potent anti-inflammatory whilst aiding with digestion and calming the nervous system.
By the end of the 1800’s, hops were routinely being used as a sleep aid in hop pillows and in tea as a digestive tonic. One of the most prominent patients treated with hops was George III, King of the United Kingdom (1738–1820), who allegedly slept on pillows filled with hops to calm his nerves and promote a restful night.
For an overall rejuvenating effect, people formerly bathed in cold brew sludge leftover from beer making containing about 30% hops. According to legend, King Wenceslas IV in 1406 permitted the incorporation of the hops cone into the coat of arms of the brewers in recognition of the rejuvenating effects of the hop sludge bath to which he was partial. During this period beer made with hops was used in the preparation of remedies against hair loss to help prevent premature baldness, hops hormonally stimulate hair growth.
As hops became an essential part of the brewing process in the 1500’s onwards the medicinal benefits were used less until they were all but forgotten. With this history in mind we can feel secure in the knowledge that there is no controversy surrounding hops as they have been ingested and applied safely for centuries.
There is now a resurgence of interest and our products are spearheading the new world HOP REVOLUTION
Hop Picking in Kent - Courtesy of the British Hop Association
Tradition has it that the first English hop garden was created near Canterbury in 1520, as Kent was the earliest centre for hop culture due to its suitable soil. Kent farmers could afford the high initial capital outlay as they were among the most prosperous of the time. A great deal of manpower was required to pick the hops in September. Most of the Kentish hop pickers came from London and at the industry’s peak reached more than 80,000 people.