hop

Hops aretraditional cropknown since ancient times and is now mainly used for brewing beer. But the yellow-green hop cones can do much more: Their ingredients naturally help withIndigestionandMenopausal symptoms, CystitisandcariesHops, together with valerian, are also one of the most commonherbal sedatives: New scientific studies are constantly proving its beneficial effects onSleep disorders and nervousness.

Origin of the hop plant

From the hop cones, which are the two to four centimetre long, greenish-yellow female inflorescences of theReal hops(Humulus lupulus), the extracts are obtained. Hops are a close relative of the hemp plant..The leaf shape resembles that of vine leaves, but the edges are more jagged. Since the hopsmoistureloves, it grows in its wild form mainly near rivers and on the edges of forests.Southern GermanyHops are traditionally grown on meter-high racks. The most important growing areas include Hallertau in Bavaria and the Schussen Valley in Baden-Württemberg. The shoots of theclimbing plantcan grow up to twelve meters tall. In July and August, hops produce male and female flowers.

Function of hops

The majority of the hop harvest is used for brewing beer. Hops give the brewed beverage its typical bitter taste. Furthermore, their compounds help to make the beerto make it durableand to create a stable head of foam. In old librariesHop conesbetween the books, moisture and pests away. In naturopathy, hops are used for a variety of purposes. Responsible for their health-promoting effects are itsvaluable ingredients:Bitter substances(hop resins), flavorings (hop oils and essential oils) andtannins(polyphenols).

Hops in medicine

Against nervousness and sleep disorders:Studies have demonstrated the calming effect and the subjective improvement in sleep quality. A German study found that the fat-soluble hop substances, such as α-bitter acids, are particularly important forcalming effectare responsible.

For digestion:Hops are also used innervousIt is used for stomach problems, flatulence or indigestion.Bitter substancesnaturally stimulate digestion.

Phytoestrogens against women’s problems:Hops contain so-calledPhytohormones, substances similar to estrogen. Therefore, hops are helpful for estrogen deficiency and menopausal symptoms. It also provides relief from menstrual cramps and menstrual irregularities. However, since there is a relative estrogen excess in the initial phase of menopause, hops should only be used ina later phaseDo not use hops during pregnancy or on children under twelve years of age.

Against cystitis:Hops promotes the excretion of urine through the kidneys, the so-called diuresis. Therefore, it is used for kidney and bladder disorders such asIrritable bladderorCystitisused.

Antioxidant effect:Humulones and lupulones (polyphenopes) arehighly effective antioxidantsthat fight free radicals, which can, among other things, cause inflammatory immune damage, accelerate aging processes or trigger cancer.

Antibacterial effect:Various studies have shown that hop ingredientsantibacterial and antifungal(against fungi) effect and can, for example, prevent the development ofTooth decayLupulone inhibits the growth of theHelicobacter pylori, which is partly responsible for duodenal ulcers and stomach cancer.