Write down the beneficial properties of hops and contraindications for use in your notebook.
Often, the climbing hop plant is associated with a foaming drink, without which no gatherings go. However, the beneficial properties of hops and contraindications for the body are of even greater interest. In ancient times, the plant was actively used by folk healers. They prepared medicinal drugs to relieve the pain and suffering of the patient. Only several millennia later, scientists managed to deeply explore the elements of this wonderful culture. To date, the benefits of hops for the body are confirmed by a unique set of chemical compounds. Before looking into the molecular world of nature, let's get acquainted with the external features of a medicinal culture.
Reliable protection against heat and disease
It grows on one piece of land for about 20 years. The powerful root system of a creeping character miraculously tolerates temperature changes and winter cold. The ground part of the plant consists of many annual shoots with hooked thorns. Usually they grow from 3 to 7 m, and up to 20 cm per day. The branches twist strictly clockwise, and also have a hollow structure and a tetrahedral shape.
The creeping branches are decorated with rough foliage, which is located opposite. Its configuration is delightful as the blades have 3 or 5 pointed blades. Moreover, they are made in the shape of a heart. In autumn, they put on a bright outfit, delighting caring people.
Hops are dioecious, which means that both male and female specimens are found in nature. Therefore, during the flowering period, different buds are formed on it. Female plants are distinguished by graceful cones. They consist of 20 or more miniature buds. Only the lower level of flowers contains lupulin glands that secrete bitterness.
On male specimens, inflorescences appear in the form of luxurious panicles. If pollination occurs, fruits are produced on female crops. Unfortunately, they diminish the beneficial properties of hops and the contraindications that sometimes arise.
In its natural environment, the plant is found in Europe, North Africa and America. It wonderfully takes root in the coastal zone of rivers and lakes. Not afraid of the scorching sun on the open and spacious steppes. And in the forests, hops form dense thickets that become a refuge for insects, birds and small animals. Cultivated species decorate summer cottages, city parks, playgrounds. Truly reliable protection against heat, wind and even rain. And what valuable scientists have found inside the marvelous "northern" liana? Find out what biologists are saying.
A treasure of vital components
The unique beneficial properties and contraindications of hops are due to a set of chemical compounds.
Looking at the plant with an armed eye, experts discovered a number of valuable substances:
- flavonoids;
- phytohormones;
- polyphenols;
- resins;
- essential oils;
- B vitamins;
- vitamin C;
- minerals (iron, potassium, calcium).
All these components have a beneficial effect on the body as a whole and on individual parts. For example, vitamins strengthen the immune system.Bitterness stimulates the digestion process. Polyphenols inhibit the appearance of foreign formations, inflammatory and oxidative processes. As a result, a person quickly copes with various pathologies.
Amazing health benefits of hops and contraindications
Since ancient times, the plant was grown next to a gazebo for relaxation... In the summer, in such a cozy corner, the headache passed, and the lungs filled with clean air. Veterinarians prepared medicinal decoctions for livestock to relieve inflammation. From the components of the northern liana, a unique dye for fabrics was obtained. In cooking, it is used to make beer and baked goods. Pharmacological properties make it possible to understand what hops help for and how to take it.
Doctors prescribe drugs containing plant components for such diseases:
- neuroses;
- atherosclerosis;
- gastritis;
- insomnia;
- cystitis;
- psoriasis;
- tachycardia;
- rheumatism;
- bruises.
And this is not the whole list of pathologies that are treated with the help of graceful vine cones. The active effect of hops on the body has led to the creation of medicinal preparations and tablets. The well-known drug "Evening dragee" contains, in addition to hops, mint and valerian. This mixture helps to cope with insomnia. It is also prescribed for neuroses and muscle neuralgia. Traditional healers prepare medicinal teas, decoctions, tinctures, ointments from the plant.
Often, the components of hops are included in dietary supplements that are used to prevent various diseases.
Aromatic tea
Drinking hot drinks is an “ambulance” in case of emergency. They stimulate the immune system, quickly entering the bloodstream. Consider the benefits and harms of hop tea on the body when the crucial moment comes.
It turns out to be a simple drink:
- calms the nerves;
- relieves stress;
- increased nervousness.
A glass of hot tea at night stimulates healthy sleep. Thanks to this, efficiency increases, and the mood rises. A medicinal drink is prepared in a traditional way. Put 1 tablespoon of dry hop cones in a cup. Pour in hot water. Then cook in a water bath for 15 minutes. Filter the slightly cooled liquid, dilute with water and drink between meals or before bedtime.
An overdose of tea from hops leads to fatigue, irritability, and a feeling of apathy.
Decoction
The proverb: "One is not a warrior in the field" clearly shows that victory depends on joint efforts. In a similar way, decoctions of several types of herbs are prepared to treat ailments.
For example, a medicinal drug will require components:
- hops (cones);
- field horsetail;
- linden (flowers);
- mint;
- chamomile.
Take a teaspoon of each plant. Mix and pour boiling water (0.5 l). Simmer on moderate heat for 10 minutes. Insist 10-12 hours. The finished broth is filtered. Use for head rinsing. With such a unique composition, the benefits of hops for the hair become apparent. They grow faster, become shiny, vibrant and silky. After a few rinses, dandruff disappears.
The procedure is carried out after the next shampooing.
Infusions from a thermos
It is sad to watch a person who has a whole bunch of diseases. He makes a lot of efforts to somehow solve his problems. In such cases, it is important to use all options, including traditional medicine.
A simple infusion of hops helps with such ailments:
- hypertension;
- kidney and liver diseases;
- violation of metabolic processes (metabolism).
For the case, you will need crushed plant cones (20 g). Raw materials are poured into a thermos with a capacity of 0.5 liters. Pour boiling water over. Insist 12 hours. It is taken as prescribed by a doctor, who takes into account the degree of the disease and the diagnosis.
Self-medication sometimes causes irreparable harm to the body.
Healing ointment
Joint pain, unexpected bruises and lingering rheumatism cause a lot of suffering to a person.Knowing what other hops are used for in folk medicine will help solve the problem. It turns out that dry crushed cones are combined with butter and lard passed through a meat grinder. The components are put in a small container. Mix thoroughly and get a miraculous ointment. During acute pain, the agent is rubbed into the affected area of the body.
Women's health and attractiveness
As you know, the disease leaves its mark on the appearance of any person. Sometimes fifty-year-old ladies look at all 60, and young ladies are mature personalities. Therefore, taking care of your health and appearance takes an important place in the life of the fair sex. Therefore, we will consider the benefits and harms of hops for women who suffer from various diseases.
Tincture, tea or a decoction from the plant is used for such pathologies:
- acute pain during menstruation;
- violation of the menstrual cycle;
- dryness of the vagina;
- PMS;
- climacteric hot flashes.
In each individual case, the drug is prepared according to the prescription indicated by the doctor. Usually, gynecologists do not neglect folk remedies. On the contrary, they are very competent in prescribing such drugs.
To look after their appearance, women resort to various means. They monitor nutrition, exercise, and use hops in cosmetology. Homemade potions help get rid of acne and wrinkles. Refreshes and rejuvenates the skin. Stimulates hair and nail growth. It is enough to add the drug to shampoo or lotion and do several procedures. In a week or two, the result will appear.
This theory can be tested in practice. However, don't expect a miracle. Each person has his own "institution" of the body, so let's not rush to conclusions. The beneficial properties of hops helped people in ancient times. Should there be any doubt about the power of this medicinal plant today?