DIY Hops Milk

When we hear about hops, we usually picture a foaming and sweating glass of cold beer. That’s because hops are an important ingredient in nearly all beers. They are added as a preservative and give beers their distinct hoppy aroma and bitter tang.

But beyond beer brewing, hops can also be brewed into effective herbal medicine.

Hops (Humulus lupulus), particularly its flowers, have calming and relaxing properties. There are different ways of preparing hops as medicine. You can find them as hops extract, tincture, essential oil or tablets in the market. It is also prepared as an infusion, decoction or powder in its natural form.

Presently, hops are also used in culinary preparations by adding them to some dishes and meals. Hops flowers are also added to dream pillows to help improve sleep and induce sweet dreams.

What Is Hops Milk?

Hops milk is a spiced drink with many aromatic ingredients other than hops. It is a comforting beverage that is best enjoyed hot.

If you like golden milk, or milk mixed with turmeric and other spices, you may also love the vibrant taste of hops golden milk.

It can be prepared using easy-to-source ingredients to add to your milk of choice. It may include turmeric which will give it its golden color as well as other spices and seeds like cardamom, cinnamon, ginger and pepper.

What is Hops Milk Good For

Sedative: If you feel irritated, stressed, anxious and sleepless, try reaching for a nice warm cup of hops milk. Its sedative action triggers drowsiness which is handy during those sleepless nights. Hops can slow down your brain’s functions and may give you a deep and quality sleep. It is best for people with insomnia and other chronic sleep problems.

You can find a potent sleep blend crafted from Hops, Valerian, Chamomile and Passionflower available for purchase here.

Anxiolytic: The relaxing properties of hops can alleviate anxiety by stimulating the production of GABA in the brain. Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the chemical that slows down brain function and blocks specific signals from the central nervous system. Drinking hops tea is similar to taking a mild tranquilizer which eases the anxiety and loosens the stress.

Alterative: The curative property of hops milk, along with its potent ingredients, may help bring back body balance. Take a glass of it before bedtime to nourish your body and improve your well-being.

Nervine: Consuming hops may help calm and relax the nervous system. The process results in the overall deep relaxation of the body. Taking hops milk may calm panic attacks and reduce hyperactivity and nervous disorders.

Digestive: Hops is a digestive bitter that can help in the proper breakdown of food. It tones the digestive system and cleanses the digestive tract. For the best result, try taking hops milk before a heavy meal to jumpstart the digestive process.

Estrogenic: Taking hops milk may be beneficial for women who are having menopausal symptoms. It may also regulate the menstrual cycle and reduce the pains associated with it. The ingredients in hops milk may help maintain the estrogen level.

Antacid: Milk, especially full-fat cow’s milk, increases acidity and may trigger acid reflux. Preparing hops milk using dairy-free milk substitutes may help solve this dilemma. Ingredients like ginger in hops milk also help lower stomach acidity and may relieve acid reflux.

Anti-inflammatory:  Hops is an excellent analgesic and anti-inflammatory herb. When combined with herbs having the same potent properties, it creates a delicious cup of health remedy. The garlic, ginger and turmeric added to hops milk may help alleviate joint and muscle pain.

If you’re interested in learning about additional herbs, foods, and supplements that can ease pain and inflammation, check out the The Holistic Guide to Wellness: Herbal Protocols for Common Ailments.

How to Make Hops Golden Milk

The hops golden milk takes inspiration from the popular golden milk and adds the aromatic and therapeutic dried hops flowers.

The most common ingredients in hops golden milk are:

Dried hops flowers. The flowering and aromatic green part of the hops contain its therapeutic properties. It is edible, although not many may love its bitter taste. When cooked and added to milk, it can add a unique profile flavor and nerve-calming benefits.

Turmeric. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is the main ingredient in the preparation of golden milk. It is packed with potent medicinal properties that can cure a wide range of health problems. Turmeric contains curcumin, a highly effective antioxidant for the prevention of chronic diseases.

Black pepper. A dash of black pepper helps in the absorption of turmeric in the body. Turmeric, by itself, is fat-soluble and has low bioavailability. The piperine in black pepper increases the bioavailability of turmeric for better distribution in the body.

Cinnamon. This recipe calls for ground cinnamon, a powerful spice that boosts the nervine properties of hops. Cinnamon can reduce the nervous tension and improve the brain’s cognitive ability.

Ginger. Ginger powder lends a warm and spicy flavor to hops golden milk. It is responsible for taming the digestive processes and neutralizing stomach acid. Ginger also cures nausea and manages inflammatory pains.

Cardamom and vanilla extract. Cardamom and vanilla extract are optional ingredients in hops golden milk. These spices add a unique aroma and improve the flavor of hops milk. These sweet spices also impart medicinal properties to boost the healing potential of hops milk.

Milk. Milk is the carrier ingredient that dissolves and mixes all the ingredients. You can choose any milk that you prefer. Plant-based milk alternatives like almond milk, coconut milk, cashew or soy milk are the best for dairy-free options.

Sweetener. A sweetener is also optional and the amount depends on your taste preference. Honey or maple are great options but you can also omit it if you like.

But like any other medicinal preparation, take the hops golden milk in a safe and reasonable amount. Do not overuse it to avoid unnecessary side effects, especially if you are taking prescription medicines for other health problems.

Hops Golden Milk

What you will need: Tea bag, a small saucepan, whisk, measuring spoon and cup, heat safe mug.

Ingredients:

• 1-2 tbsp dried hops flower
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground ginger
• ¼ tsp ground cardamom
• 1 tsp vanilla extract, optional
• Honey or maple syrup, to taste

Steps:

1. Prepare the hops infusion bag by adding the dried hops flower to the tea bag and set aside.
2. In a saucepan, pour the milk and whisk in the turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom and ginger. Bring to a simmer over low-medium heat.
3. Turn off the heat when the mixture is at a simmer and add the vanilla extract.
4. Clip the prepared hops tea bag to the side of the saucepan and infuse for about 2 to 6 minutes.
5. Pour the hops golden milk into the mug, sweeten to taste, and enjoy while warm.

Take a cup of this drink before bedtime or any time you need to calm your nerves and induce sleep.

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