OVHA Chat

Anybody got an idea of how much hops contribute to the relaxing effect of drinking a beer?

I'm curious because,recently,I stopped using beer as my night cap/relax before bedtime/stress relief drink.This is not a habitual practice but sometimes I just can't get unwound,ya know?Anyway,I had decided to use an approximate same amount of hard liquor,due to the caloric value difference,with disappointing results.I seem to need about 2-3 times the amount of alcohol to get the job done.Hmmm.Seems that not too long ago this was not necessarily so.However,the beers that use to drink were far less hoppy than the ones that I drink now (18-25 IBUs vs. 30-40 IBUs.).I do remember reading at one time or another that hops play a role in the relaxing effects of beer.

Whiskey just don't cut it no more!

What do you know?

There is some related information about hops and calming effects, but nothing scientific. Freshops sells pillows stuffed with hops. If you believe hops are the component in your nightly elixir resulting in relaxation, but concerned with calories, how about making a hop tea.

There is some related information about hops and calming effects, but nothing scientific. Freshops sells pillows stuffed with hops. If you believe hops are the component in your nightly elixir resulting in relaxation, but concerned with calories, how about making a hop tea.

Thought about it,just not my cup of tea.Beer tastes much better.
I did some googling on the subject and didn't find anything solid exept some references to old home remedies and the hop pillows & that.Just wondering if any one else had any insight on the subject.I'm thinking that most are only inerested in the alcoholic and flavour properties of beer and don't think much about its other values.Long ago,beer was thought of,in some cultures,as something that was good for you.Nowadays,I think,we just get drunk on it.

Also,I have used hop tea,chamomile,ginger,etc. seperately and in combo.They work OK if you like to sip hot beverages,but I'm not even a coffee drinker so hot drinks just don't get it.The herbal conconctions are hidious without some sweetener like honey or sugar;artificial sweeteners don't cut it and there goes the calories again.Nothing makes a better night cap than a refreshing,tall glass (preferably a shooner )of cold,nicely hopped,home brewed beer.

Thanks for the suggestion all the same.At least I got one response.And I don't hate whiskey,nor do I absolutely need a night cap all that often.