Hop is a species of flowering plants belonging to the hemp family. It has long been used in folk medicine. The plant has a long, climbing stem. The length of the stem can reach 8 m. The hop leaf has a long stem structure and a rough to the touch. Flowers same-sex, female inflorescences are represented by dense buds of several dozen flowers. At the base of the cones are formed glands that secrete bitter substances.
Useful properties of hops
Hop cones are used in various industries. So, in cooking, cones that emit bitterness are one of the components of low-alcohol beverages - beer, ale and peers. Can be used in the confectionery industry in baking bread or salted buns.
Plant buds are used in various branches of medicine. In addition to traditional methods of treatment, plant shoots are also used in folk phytotherapy. Hop extracts are a part of various medicinal preparations, both used for a long time and recently synthesized.
So, in Novo-Passit one of the components is the flowers of the plant. A remedy for the treatment of pathologies of the heart and blood vessels Valocordin, contains extract of plant materials. Also for the treatment of various diseases used diuretic and analgesic properties of hops. They are added to the drug Urolesan for the treatment of kidney stones and other diseases.
In folk medicine, flowers are used as a remedy for insomnia and stress. For these purposes, tincture of plant materials on alcohol is used. To improve sleep, use pillows from hops. The smell of the plant will help to cope with sleep problems. When diseases of the digestive system drink a decoction of flowers. Broth normalizes the gallbladder, gradually restoring the secretory function. Beauticians use the tool to improve the condition of the hair.
How and when can you collect hops
For use in traditional and traditional medicine, only plant cones are suitable. The collection is carried out in the initial stage of formation, which occurs at the end of the summer.
The best way is to collect in 2-3 days before full maturity, when the cones become green-yellow in color, similar to the color of lime. Too bright, green shoots are immature, use as a medicine will not benefit. And too old, brown bumps have already given all the nutrients in the seeds, so they should not be collected.
It is also undesirable to collect vegetable raw materials with hypertrophied scales. The characteristic property of such formations is a lot of seeds and few useful substances. Tear off the stalks from the stem with the stalk. It is advisable to leave up to 3 cm legs.
After collecting the raw materials, the bumps need to be laid out in the shade, in one row before drying. In this case, the appearance is almost unchanged. Hanging bundles is prohibited. If the vegetable raw material is suspended in bundles, then lupulin will fall off from it, which provides most of the beneficial properties of the plant.
You can keep the collected flowers for up to three years. At the same time they will have a slightly tart smell. After sifting in any way, you can get pollen powder (lupulin). It is used in the same cases as the infusion of hops, while it must be stored in an airtight container.
Medicinal properties of hop cones
Bitter substance secreted by the glands in the area of the foot, has soothing properties. Can help with sleep problems and excessive excitability.
In homeopathic manuals it is indicated that it is possible to use plant raw materials in combination with other herbs in order to remove stones from the kidneys, in case of problems with urination. Infusions can be used to eliminate the inflammatory process. Also, studies have shown that hop cones have a calming, analgesic and regulating mineral metabolism action.
During recent studies discovered additional properties of biological active substances in the composition of the hop cones. So, fortified substances and flavonoids have properties that allow to fight against peptic ulcer diseases by strengthening the walls of blood vessels of the microvasculature. Hop cones are also used in the treatment of dermatitis, diseases of the mucous membranes, which are accompanied by inflammation.
In pharmacology, hop cones are included in the collections of herbal remedies, which are used as sedatives. This allows you to use them during the treatment of hypertension caused by neurosis.
Part of the components of the plant has a beneficial effect on metabolism. This is especially useful for the operation of buffer systems that regulate acid and alkaline balance. Water balance during dehydration is normalized and mineral and lipid metabolism is restored.
The use of plants in medicine
Initially, vegetable raw materials were used as a means of cleansing the blood, eliminating excess bile and urine. Even in the Middle Ages, Paracelsus was recommended as a decoction for diarrhea and bloating.
Lupulin is used as a sedative in powders or tablets. In the form of ointment was used as an anti-boil remedy.
Anti-putrid and anti-inflammatory properties allow the use of decoctions as a lotion during the treatment of sciatica, joint pathologies, bruises or burns of 1-2 degrees. Can also be used to treat fungi and scabies.
In folk medicine, hop cones are used for cancer of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. Infusions can be used for the treatment of eye pathologies, fatty hepatosis, as an anthelmintic agent and for the treatment of gonorrhea.
The peoples of Central Asia consider hops as a means of stimulating sexual activity. In Mongolia, used as a fortifying agent.
In addition, hops are used to treat menstrual disorders in women. When applied correctly, the remedy helps to fight the manifestations of menopause To this end, tea is made from hop cones.
Use of hop cones at home
If necessary, the treatment of various diseases at home can use different tools: teas, tinctures, decoctions, ointments, balms and poultices.
Prescription ointment for osteochondrosis and other joint diseases
For the preparation of funds:
- Take the dried hop cones, then grind them into powder.
- Mix with one tablespoon of sunflower oil in equal proportions and stir. As an alternative to butter, lard can be used.
- Mix all ingredients until smooth and apply on sore joints.
Ointment can be used for gout and joint inflammation.
Recipe alcohol tincture
To prepare the tincture, you will need 1 part of dried hop cones, which must be pre-ground and 4 parts of vodka. Hop flowers are poured into a glass jar, poured with vodka, then left in a dark place for a week. After a week, you must strain the tool. Then you can take 5 drops per 1 tablespoon. water during insomnia.
Broth recipe
Cooking Instructions:
- Take 1 tsp. chopped hop cones, fall asleep in a 0.5 liter pot.
- Pour vegetable raw materials with hot water and boil for half an hour.
- After that, strain through a thin linen cloth or gauze.
Drink a day, you can 3-4 times a quarter cup.
The use of hop cones for hair
Herbal raw materials from hop gives healthy hair. In addition, hop cones improve the structure of the hair, making it softer and silky. Biologically active substances in the composition of hops, flavonoids and essential oils, have properties to penetrate deep into the dermis. Natural substances in the composition of hops provide a lasting effect, which begins to manifest itself with regular use.
Use of hop cones:
- heals hair;
- accelerate growth;
- reduce hair greasiness;
- make the strands silky;
- help in the treatment of fungal infections, psoriasis, seborrhea;
- effective against dandruff, which is due to autoimmune diseases.
Contraindications to the use of hops
If taken orally in too large quantities, acute food poisoning is possible, as the plant is considered poisonous. Therefore, with uncontrolled use of an overdose. The tool is best used only after consulting with your doctor, with the exact appointment of the dosage.
In addition, individual intolerance is possible for a hop or one of its components. It is also undesirable to use infusions and decoctions of plants for pregnant and lactating women.
