"Back in 1934, someone said—‘put hops in a salve!’ Now here we are. Cold sores? Boom. Skin glow? Pow. You’ll smell like a wise old garden after an all-night beer party. A little bitter, a little bold. But your skin? A lot better."
The Story of our 1934 Hops Ointment
This ointment recipe dates back to 1934 and was originally found in a formulary first published in the late 1800s—reprinted many times and treasured for its vast repository of everyday knowledge. The book was part household guide, part recipe collection, and part DIY apothecary manual.
It was created for folks who wanted to make their own medicines, cosmetics, cleaners, inks, beverages, baking powders—even remedies for livestock. Think of it as an encyclopedia of practical recipes, designed to save a trip to the doctor or general store by offering instructions for remedies and household essentials that could be made right at home, with ease and confidence.
Inside, readers could discover:
• Herbal remedies and elixirs for everything from coughs to hair loss
• Recipes for perfumes and cosmetics—some refined, others delightfully experimental
• Homemade versions of popular patent medicines like Dr. Miles’ Pain Pills and Pond’s Extract
• Formulas for household cleaners, inks, and beverages
• Veterinary remedies for common livestock ailments
• Business recipes and instructions for launching your own soap, salve, or perfume venture
While not every entry was exact (with some measurements vague by today’s standards), and a few ingredients now considered outdated or unsafe, for those with the know-how to reinterpret and modernize them, this collection is a treasure trove of historical insight.
It reflects an era when:
• Home remedies were gradually being replaced by store-bought patent medicines
• Resourceful entrepreneurs could start a business with a few key formulas and some confidence
• There was a widespread belief in the magic of recipes—that with the right ingredients, you could make just about anything
These books are a delightful mix of old-school know-how and everyday DIY. Inside their pages, you’ll find folk wisdom passed down through generations, bits of domestic science that was helpful and practical, and early industrial chemistry that’s surprisingly hands-on. They paint a vivid picture of a time when people made what they needed—from medicines to ink—right at home, with resourcefulness. It’s a beautiful reminder of how people could do so much with so little.
Common Threads of Hops in Healing Across Cultures
Though best known today for its role in brewing, hops (Humulus lupulus) has a long and varied history in traditional medicine across Europe, Asia, and North America. Despite cultural differences, many healing systems recognized similar properties in this climbing herb—especially its calming, cleansing, and skin-soothing effects.
Shared Healing Themes
• Calming the Nervous System
In European folk medicine, hops were used in sleep pillows and teas to ease restlessness and anxiety. Similarly, in Traditional Chinese Medicine, hops were valued for their sedative and cooling properties—used to calm the spirit and reduce internal heat.
• Topical Relief for Skin & Inflammation
Across cultures, hops were applied externally to soothe irritated skin, reduce swelling, and support wound healing. Their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory compounds made them a go-to for poultices and salves.
• Digestive & Detoxifying Support
In both Western herbalism and Eastern traditions, hops were used to stimulate digestion and support liver function—often paired with other bitters to cleanse the system and restore balance.
Why These Parallels Matter
Despite being separated by oceans and languages, many cultures arrived at similar uses for hops—suggesting a shared understanding of its properties. This convergence reflects a broader truth in traditional healing: that plants speak a universal language, and those who listen—whether through observation, ritual, or oral tradition—often arrive at the same wisdom.
Why Choose Our Hops Ointment?
Let’s dive into the botanical brilliance behind it:
Skin-Loving Benefits of Hops
• Anti-inflammatory power: Hops contain compounds like humulones and lupulones that help calm redness, irritation, and inflammation—ideal for sensitive or stressed skin.
• Antioxidant-rich: Packed with flavonoids and xanthohumol, hops help neutralize free radicals, protecting skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
• Antibacterial action: Hops naturally inhibit acne-causing bacteria, making them a gentle ally for blemish-prone skin.
• Moisture balance: Their humectant properties help hydrate dry skin while regulating oil production for oily types.
• Collagen support: Hops may reduce the activity of elastase, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, helping skin stay firm and youthful.
Why Our Ointment Stands Out
• Exact Replica of the 1934 Recipe: This original formula was already natural and safe back in its day—no need for modern tweaks or substitutions. We’ve honored every detail so you can enjoy it just as folks did in 1934.
• Rooted in tradition: We honor the historical use of hops in herbal medicine, blending old-world wisdom with modern formulation.
• Crafted for versatility: Whether you're soothing or calming irritated skin, or simply indulging in a moment of self-care, our ointment adapts to your needs.
Hops Ointment ~ Topical Ointment ~ 1934 Historical Recipe
- Organic Hops: A powerhouse herb with strong bitter notes and potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties. Historically used to soothe skin irritations and promote healing.
- Lard: A classic emollient base that’s deeply moisturizing and helps deliver herbal compounds into the skin. Its neutral scent and creamy texture make it ideal for traditional salves.
- Gum of Benjamin (Benzoin Resin): Sweet and balsamic, this resin adds a warm depth to the scent while offering antiseptic and skin-calming benefits. It’s been used for centuries in both perfumery, medicine, and preservation.