HOPS (Humulus lupulus) 

A natural preservative, Hops is used in brewing beer and contributes to its distinctive flavor and aroma. Another use has been to fill a muslin pillow with Hops to help provide non drug-induced sleep; it has long been known to calm the nerves and prevent nightmares. Hops have been found to be an excellent nervine that is fast acting and will produce sleep when insomnia is a problem. It has also been given for jaundice; known to increase bile secretion, and will help to tone the liver and gallbladder. Hops has a sedative effect and serves to calm and soothe the nerves thus, relieving muscle spasms. It also relieves pain and reduces fevers. A poultice of Hops soothes inflammations, including boils; relieves the pain of facial neuralgias, sciatica and other rheumatic pains and helps reduce the pain of a toothache.