Introduction: Men will particularly like this herb because beer – a favourite drink – is made with hops. Hops is an exceptional medicinal plant containing compounds (humulon and lupulin) that kill bacteria, so it can be used as an antibiotic, or as first aid for bleeding wounds (just cover the wound with leaves).
How it helps: Hops contains sedatives, which is why it is used in nutrient supplements for insomnia. It also treats anxiety, fear and mild depression. Hops helps with digestion and even initiates menstruation.
How to use: Prepare your own homemade dark beer: You need 1¾ oz dried hops, 1½ lbs sugar, 11 oz roasted barley, 2½ lb yeast, 1½ gal good quality water (without chlorine). Boil everything but the yeast until about 1/2 gal of water evaporates, then put aside and let it cool for a while.
In the meantime, thin down 1½ oz yeast in a cup and mix it into the mixture. Leave to stand for 8 hours. Then strain through a cloth into jars (do not fill them up to the top, leave about 10 percent free). Put a firm lid on them to avoid popping during fermentation. Beer will be ready after four or five days.
Cooking: Young sprouts are sometimes used as vegetables. You can add them to salads and soups or even pickle them.