The Common Hop is a climbing plant that produces isoadhumulone, one of the bitter principles in beer. It has bacteriostatic properties towards Gram-positive bacteria, therefore protecting beer from serious contamination by this type of bacteria.
Hops are widely farmed for the brewing industry and are also used in herbal medicine for their sedative properties and are often combined with valerian or lavender to aid sleep.
The rampant climbing characteristic is often put to good use ornamentally to cover something unsightly in the garden. A golden form, Humlus lupulus 'Aurea' combines well with clematis.
