Hops cones, application in medicine and other branches

Cultivated hop began to grow during the early Middle Ages. He was examined from a wide range of economic aspects. It turned out that this unique plant gives oil obtained from the inflorescences, and the fiber obtained from the stems of this plant is not inferior to the hemp fiber even in the fortress.

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 hops. The flowering of this plant quickly reveals heterozygous individuals. Thus, flowers of male plants are small, and collected in small panicles. Hops cones hanging from the long stem with clusters are female inflorescences. They consist of flowers that are on the cranked rod. Ripe, red cones of hops, the use of which is unacceptable in the production of medicines and food. Fertilized female flowers during maturation give seeds resembling small brown nuts.

As raw materials, hop cones are used, the use of which has been found in many areas of our life. The chemical composition is very rich. Hop cones contain essential oil (up to 3%) containing farnesene, myrcene, caryophyllene, 2-methylpropyl isobutyrate, 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 acylfloroglycides. The main representative of A-bitter acids - gumulon, and B-bitter acids - a substance lupulon. Bitter acids can not withstand too long storage and decompose relatively quickly.

Hops cones, use: due to its unique pharmacological properties, due to the presence of special biologically active substances, hops have a mild sedative and calming nerves effect. All the bitter chemical compounds of hop promote the improvement of 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 sedatives, tinctures and extracts. Hop oil is included in the drug "Valocordin", and the extract is a constituent part of "Urolesana".

Hop cones, the use of which has been found in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases as a means of improving digestion, and as an effective analgesic is actively used in non-traditional medicine. They are also used for the production of high-quality cosmetics.

Hops are used for gastritis and scurvy. It has antihelminthic properties. Often, decoctions of hops are used, as a sedative in the form of baths. It perfectly helps to strengthen hair (for rinsing). Hops are prescribed for radiculitis, neuralgia, furunculosis, metabolic disorders. Outwardly this agent is used for lichen. Hop extract is included in the composition of the ointment from furuncles and skin ulcers.

Tinctures of cones of hops are taken internally 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 obtained from hops should be done under the supervision of your doctor.

Long ago hops were used as a spice, which they put in kvass for perfume. Even now it is often used in bakery instead of yeast. Bread, baked on hopy raw materials, has a remarkable taste and smell.

Ripe cones of hops, the use of which was found in the production of such a popular product as beer, are beginning to be collected when they begin to exude the most delicate aroma, and the flakes are noticeably lighter.