We began to cultivate climbing hops in the early Middle Ages. He was examined from a variety of economic aspects. It turned out that this unique plant also gives oil obtained from inflorescences, and the fiber obtained from the stems of this plant is not inferior in strength even to hemp fiber.
Common hops are the longest among the herbs we know. Its stem can reach a length of 10 m. The full name of the plant is climbing hops. Flowering of this plant quickly reveals heterosexual individuals. So, the flowers of male plants are small, and collected in small panicles. Hop cones hanging in clusters from a long stem are female inflorescences. They consist of flowers located on the crankshaft. Overripe, red hop cones, the use of which is unacceptable in the production of medicines and food products. Fertilized female flowers, when ripe, give seeds that resemble small brown nuts.
As a raw material, hop cones are used, the use of which has been found in many areas of our lives. The chemical composition is very rich. Hop cones contain an essential oil (up to 3%) containing farnesene, myrcene, caryophyllene, 2-methylpropylisobutyrate, 2-methylbutylisobutyrate and many other compounds. The bulk of the substances are tarry and bitter. Bitterness is represented by groups of bitter acids (A and B), which are derivatives of acylphloroglucides. The main representative of A-bitter acids is humulon, and B-bitter acids are the substance lupulon. Bitter acids do not withstand too long storage and decompose relatively quickly.
Hop cones, application: due to its unique pharmacological properties, due to the presence of special biologically active substances, hops have a light hypnotic and nerve-calming effect. All the bitter chemical compounds of hops contribute to better digestion. The substances contained in the cones have remarkable bactericidal properties.
Dry hop cones are used in various medicines. They are the basis of many soothing preparations, tinctures and extracts. Hop oil is included in the Valocordin drug, and the extract is an integral part of Urolesan.
Hop cones, the use of which was found in the treatment of various diseases of the gastrointestinal tract in the form of a digestive aid, and as an effective painkiller are actively used in alternative medicine. They are also used for the manufacture of high-quality cosmetics.
Hops are used for gastritis and scurvy. It has anthelmintic properties. Outside decoctions of hops are used as a sedative in the form of bathtubs. It perfectly helps strengthen hair (for rinsing). Hops are prescribed for radiculitis, neuralgia, furunculosis, metabolic disorders. Outwardly, this remedy is used for lichens. Hop extract is included in the ointment from boils and skin ulcers.
Tinctures of hop cones are taken orally for the treatment of diseases of the bladder, kidneys and renal pelvis. It is used in the form of baths for insomnia, dysuria, atherosclerosis and hypertension.
Treatment with drugs derived from hops should be monitored by your healthcare provider.
Hops have long been used as a spice, which was put in kvass for perfume. Even now, it is often used in bakery instead of yeast. Bread baked on hops has a wonderful taste and smell.
Ripe hop cones, the use of which was found in the production of such a popular product as beer, begin to be harvested when they begin to exude a delicate aroma, and the scales noticeably brighten.