Hops: Benefits, Uses, and Contraindications

Hops are a perennial climbing plant with a twining, left-handed stem with long, curved hairs, reaching a height of 6-7 meters. It grows mainly in damp woodlands, hedgerows, and along the tree-lined banks of ditches , from the plains up to 1200 meters above sea level. Hops contain flavonoids, essential oil, tannins, and phytoestrogens. Its seeds are a source of gamma-linolenic acid, while the flowers contain essential oil. No part of the hops is wasted , and the young leaves and shoots (which can also be eaten), the flowers (which yield a valuable essential oil), the roots, and the leaves are used to prepare a very special tea.

Index of topics

Benefits

I hop flowers They have sedative, anaphrodisiac, eupeptic, diuretic, tonic, antibiotic and bactericidal properties.
The dried inflorescences are used for infusions, herbal teas or heated in a cloth and applied to the areas affected by neuralgic pain: sciatica, lumbago.
Hops are also considered an excellent natural remedy againstinsomnia.
It helps to overcome digestion problems.
Applied to the skin it is used as an antibacterial and in case of leg ulcers.

Hops and digestion

Hops aids digestion thanks to its bitter compounds (lupulin and other bitter acids), but it is also able to stimulate the production of gastric juices and improve appetite. For these reasons, it is useful in cases of lack of appetite o slow digestion.

The natural estrogenic hops

Hops contain phytoestrogens (particularly 8-prenylnaringenin), which can help balance hormone levels in women. It may be useful for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, irritability, or vaginal dryness.

Hops and leather

In the cosmetic field, hops are used for their ability to soothe the skin e improve skin elasticity. In some cosmetics it is used for oily or impure skin, because it helps reduce sebum production.

When it is found

Hop buds are harvested between March and May, during the spring season. However, harvesting can continue until September, depending on the plant variety and the growing location. Hops are harvested when the cones are at the right stage, which can be determined by looking closely. The inflorescences should be highly visible, the glands should be dark in color; the cones should appear papery and almost dry, and the resin, when touched, it should remain attached to your fingers.

Use in the kitchen

Hop oil and extract are used to flavor dairy drinks and desserts, as well as sweets and baked goods.

Infused with hops

Hops infusion is considered a natural sedative and sleeping pill.

Ingredients

1 level tablespoon of female inflorescences in a cup of boiling water

Preparation

Leave to infuse for 15 minutes, sweeten and drink lukewarm half an hour before going to bed.

Controindicazioni

Hops is not recommended in some very specific cases. These include those suffering from hormone-sensitive diseases, those taking sedatives (with which it can conflict), those prone to drowsiness or, worse, narcolepsy , and those pregnant or breastfeeding. Undesirable side effects may include allergic reactions and dizziness.