Hops

HumuluslupulusL.

Cotton is called "white gold", oil is called "black gold", and hops is called "green gold" due to its unique medicinal properties. Hops is the only vine that has chosen temperate latitudes around the globe. Translated from Latin, its name sounds like “earthwolf.” Pliny called hops a “pasture wolf”, since the vine, entwining other plants with long strands (up to 10 m), destroys them.

The most ancient civilizations knew about the healing properties of hops. Scientists believe that intoxicating beer was first brewed in Mesopotamia, between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers. Hops regulate wort fermentation, prevent beer from souring, and give it bitterness and aroma.

In Rus', pillows were filled with hops so that sleep would be calm and deep. They drank a decoction for a variety of diseases, made poultices and rinses. The plant is included in the pharmacopoeias of many countries. Hops are included in such drugs as Valocardin, Hovaletten, Valosedan.

Scientists have found that hop cones contain biologically active phytohormones, which are the most important component of cosmetic preparations.

The wide range of effects of hops on the human body is due to its rich chemical composition. There are more than 100 of them in the essential oil. It is a pale yellow or reddish liquid with a very warm spicy aroma.

Medicinal properties

1. Recommended for chronic cough, bronchial asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia.
2. Stimulates appetite, stimulates the secretory-motor function of the gastrointestinal tract. Indicated for gastritis, gastroenteritis, catarrh of the stomach, intestinal spasms, helminthic infestation, and nervous dyspepsia.
3. Prescribed for diseases of the gallbladder and liver, cholelithiasis, diseases of the kidneys, renal pelvis, urinary and biliary tract.
4. Effective against atherosclerosis.
5. Effective for cardiovascular neuroses, angina pectoris.
6. Regulates menstruation, relieves pain. Weakens sexual activity.
7. Used for radiculitis, lumbago, neuralgia.
8. Helps regulate fat, mineral and water metabolism.
9. Used for fungal and inflammatory skin diseases, allergic and occupational dermatitis, degenerative processes in the mucous membranes and skin, eczema, lichen, acne, abscesses, bruises, boils, ulcers, wounds, scars.
10. In folk medicine it is known as an anti-inflammatory, capillary-strengthening, antiulcer, expectorant, astringent, carminative, hyposensitizing, analgesic, bactericidal, fungicidal, antiallergic, diuretic, sedative, laxative, hypnotic, anticonvulsant, vasodilator, choleretic, appetite stimulant and stool normalizer. Used for cystitis, frequent and painful urination, urethritis, inflammatory diseases of the liver and gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, gynecological diseases, sexual weakness in women, pulmonary tuberculosis, dropsy, jaundice, hypertension, myocardial dystrophy, dysentery, scrofula, diathesis, cardiac failure, scurvy, chronic diarrhea, liver cirrhosis, eczema.
11. Has a calming effect on the central nervous system. Prescribed for neuroses, irritability, nervous insomnia, nervous overstrain, neurasthenia, hysteria, depression, neuropathy, depressed mood, stress and post-stress disorders, migraines.
12. Ideal for caring for aging skin. Recommended for rough skin, hair loss, dandruff, itchy scalp, baldness. An effective regenerating agent.

Dosage

Prescribed individually by an aromatherapist.

Contraindications. Individual intolerance, pregnancy.

Note. Strong oil. Exceeding the dosage may cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, general fatigue and weakness.