Phytotherapy: use of hop cones

Hops - a plant that is known to people since ancient times. It is appreciated for its unpretentiousness and useful properties. The cones (female inflorescences) of this plant are used for making beer and kvass. They used to make a leaven for bread with their help . Very important is the use of hop cones in folk medicine.

Composition

Female inflorescences of plants 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, imparting a specific aroma and taste to the hop, resins, lupulin. In addition, the composition of female inflorescences include hormones, hops-tannic acids, coumarins, flavan glycosides, pigments, B vitamins, vitamins C and PP.

Hops cones are properties

As a medicinal raw material hop has remarkably proved itself in folk and classical medicine. Inside infusions of his cones are used for diseases of the stomach and bladder. Inflorescence of hops is a diuretic. Outwardly, decoctions and infusions are used as an analgesic. The use of hop cones in ointments is effective for abscesses, bruises, gout, skin cancer, and rheumatism. In cosmetology to strengthen the roots of hair with a decoction of inflorescences of hops wash the head. Recent studies have shown that lupulin, which gives cones bitterness, has a sedative effect and has a beneficial effect on the central nervous system for insomnia and excessive sexual excitability. Doctors prescribe infusions from hops inflorescences to improve digestion and appetite, especially with liver and gastritis diseases.

It is very popular to use hop cones in homeopathy. 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, the inflorescence of plants often enter into collections that have a calming, diuretic, anti-inflammatory effect, as well as normalizing the mineral metabolism. A very good result gives the hop cone oil. Its use is effective for pain in the joints, skin diseases, for resorption of scars and healing of wounds. In cosmetology this medicinal raw material is used for making ointments, creams and hair products.

Data from the latest pharmacological studies suggest that active substances contained in water extracts of hops inflorescences possess pronounced antiulcer, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and vasoconstrictive properties. Drugs based on hops give an excellent result in various diseases of the mucous membranes and skin, which are accompanied by severe inflammation, pruritus and allergic reactions.

Contraindications and application features

You should know that hops are a plant that contains poisonous substances. When an overdose of drugs or infusions on its basis, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, general malaise, heart and headaches are possible. There may also be allergic reactions and skin rashes. Drugs based on hop should be taken as directed and under the supervision of a doctor. They are contraindicated in depressive states, pregnancy, lactation and children under two years.