Hops, a major flavoring component of beer, is used for insomnia, restlessness and excitability, and excess sexual excitement in men. Lactating mothers sometimes use hops to increase the flow of breast milk. Hops pillows have long been used as an aid to sleep. It has a beneficial effect on the stomach due to its bitter principle and is used with good result for nervous digestion. Hops can be useful as a strong infusion, or the fresh plant tincture can be added to hot water, for heart palpitations or abnormal awareness of the heart accompanied by mild to moderate anxiety. The dried plant loses its sedative properties within a few months if not stored in a cool place out of the light, and even then the shelf life of most products is at most 6 months.
