THE SECRET LIFE OF HOPS

Humulus lupulus. It may sound like something you’d expect to read in a Harry Potter book, but believe it or not, this is the Latin name of the plant that hops come from.

Hops are cone-shaped flowers that are traditionally grown in the Northern Hemisphere¹. Most notable for their role in brewing beer¹ (yes, let’s just get that out of the way), they’re also used in a totally non-alcoholic format to calm the nervous system and support restful sleep².

Kicking back medieval style

Hops have been used since the Middle Ages, when anecdotal evidence suggests people began noticing that field workers who cultivated hop plants tended to fall asleep on the job more than usual. Their work was no more physically demanding than any other fieldwork, so people began to wonder if hops had sedative properties³.

In fact, hops became so renowned for their relaxation properties that even Great Britain’s King George III is believed to have slept on hop-filled pillows to help calm him down⁴.

When bitter is good

These days, hops are still used to support restful sleep and calm the nervous system*, thanks to their bitter resins. The resins help enhance the activity of the body’s Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter the body produces to promote relaxation².

If you are considering some support with achieving a restful night’s sleep, hops are a key ingredient in new Swisse Ultiboost Magnesium + Sleep Powder. This premium quality formula promotes a restful and refreshing sleep, helps calm the nervous system* and supports muscle relaxation.

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Supplements may only be of assistance when dietary intake is inadequate. *Hops traditionally used in Western Herbal Medicine.

References:

1. https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/712717/hops-guide-for-new-growers.pdf (page 3)
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22849837
3. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/1541-4337.12201
4. http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue87/article3559.html?ts=1552008445&signature=e26a68d1258d0ff5d7bf7312dad4954d