Hops (Humulus lupulus) have a long history of traditional use as a mild sedative and for alleviating symptoms related to tension, such as restlessness, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Historically, hops were used in folk medicine across Europe, where herbalists recommended hop pillows to promote relaxation and restful sleep. The calming effect was attributed to volatile oils and bitter acids in the plant, thought to influence the central nervous system and reduce nervous tension.

While modern scientific studies on hops specifically for tension (as opposed to insomnia or anxiety) are limited, some research supports their mild sedative and anxiolytic properties, especially when combined with other herbs like valerian. The traditional use of hops for tension is often based on their inclusion in multi-herb formulations aimed at calming the nerves. The mechanism is believed to involve modulation of GABAergic activity in the brain, similar to other mild herbal sedatives.

Overall, the evidence supporting hops for tension rests primarily on its historical use and anecdotal reports, with some emerging but limited scientific data on related conditions. Therefore, while hops are widely accepted in traditional herbal medicine for tension, robust clinical validation is lacking, resulting in a moderate evidence rating.