Hops (Humulus Lupulus). In addition to the use of hops in brewing; the tips of the young shoots were boiled and eaten like asparagus; while bakers used a decoction to make their bread rise better. Medically; the plant was used as a diuretic; the powdered seeds to kill worms; and a syrup was given in case of jaundice. From John Parkinson; Theatrum Botanicum or The Theatre of Plantes; London; 1640.