Hops, whole (Humulus lupulus)

Description

Brew a strong infusion for use in soaps, shampoos and hair conditioners. Herbal team blends well with lemon balm. Most people are familiar with hops as an ingredient in beer, but the herb has a long history of use as an ingredient in traditional herbal bitters, tisanes, tonics and teas. Although the heart-shaped leaves and flower heads have a reputation for providing a bitter, aromatic taste to various beverages, they were once used to produce a brown dye. When not inducing relaxation or sleep as a constituent of ale, hops is a traditional component of herbal sleep pillows along with lavender and dill.