Hop is a plant that has been known to people since ancient times. It is appreciated for its unpretentiousness and useful properties. Cones (female inflorescences) of this plant are used to make beer and kvass. Previously, they used to make sourdough for bread. The use of hop cones in folk medicine is very important.
Composition
Female inflorescences of the plant have a unique composition. The use of hop cones in the food industry is possible due to the content of such substances in them: essential oils that give the hop aroma a specific aroma and taste, resins, lupulin. In addition, female inflorescences include hormones, hop-tannic acids, coumarins, flavan glycosides, pigments, B vitamins, vitamins C and PP.
Hop cones - properties
As a medicinal raw material, hops have proven themselves in folk and classical medicine. Inside, infusions from his cones are used for diseases of the stomach and bladder.
Hop inflorescences is a diuretic. Outwardly decoctions and infusions are used as a painkiller. The use of hop cones as part of ointments is effective for abscesses, bruises, gout, skin cancer, and rheumatism. In cosmetology, to strengthen the hair roots with a decoction of hop inflorescences, they wash their hair. Recent studies have shown that lupulin, which gives bitterness to cones, has a
sedative effect and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system with insomnia and excessive sexual excitability. Doctors prescribe infusions from hop inflorescences to improve digestion and appetite, especially for diseases of the liver and gastritis.
The use of hop cones in homeopathy is very popular. They are included in fees that are designed to treat diseases of the urinary tract, kidneys, as well as diseases of the cardiovascular system. In addition, plant inflorescences are often included in collections that have a calming, diuretic, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as normalizing mineral metabolism. A very good result is the oil of hop cones. Its use is effective for pain in joints, skin diseases, for resorption of scars and healing of wounds. In cosmetology, this medicinal raw material is used for the manufacture of ointments, creams and hair products.
Recent pharmacological studies suggest that the active substances contained in aqueous extracts of hop inflorescences have pronounced anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and vasoconstrictive properties. Hop-based preparations give excellent results in various diseases of the mucous membranes and skin, which are accompanied by severe inflammation, itching and allergic reactions.
Contraindications and features of use
You should be aware that hops are a plant that contains toxic substances. With an overdose of drugs or infusions based on it, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, general malaise, heart and headaches are possible. Allergic reactions and skin rashes may also occur. Hop-based preparations should be taken as directed and under the supervision of a physician. They are contraindicated in depressive states, pregnancy, lactation, and children under two years of age.