Recipe and application of hop tincture

Hops (lat. Humulus lupulus) is a perennial climbing plant from the Cannabaceae family. The female flowers of the plant are surrounded by cones rich in essential oils, which have bactericidal and relaxing properties. Hops have been used for centuries not only in brewing, but also in medicine. In most cases, plant-based supplements are taken as a sedative with a sedative effect.

Medicinal properties of hops

One of the first mentions of hops is found in documents of the 822th century. In XNUMX, Abbot Adalhard of the Benedictine monastery in Picardy drew up a series of provisions that regulated the duties of the tenants of the surrounding lands. The peasants had to hand over to the porter a certain amount of malt and hops, which were not yet grown at that time, but were collected in the wild. Three hundred years later, the plant began to be widely cultivated in Europe, but for a long time it was used only in brewing.

The authors of medieval treatises noted the negative effect of hops on the condition of pickers, in whom long-term inhalation of aromatic oils caused “an increase in melancholy.” Doctors appreciated the medicinal effect of the plant only in the XNUMXth century – Paracelsus used it for indigestion and problems with the gastrointestinal tract. Hops became widespread in the XNUMXth century. Crushed cones were added to sedative pills and ointments were made on their basis for healing festering wounds.

The medicinal properties of hops are due to the components contained in its composition:

• oleo-resins (bitterness) – stimulate digestion and outflow of bile;
• humulin and lupulon – responsible for antibacterial properties;
• valeric acid – soothes and improves sleep;
• volatile essential oils – have a sedative, analgesic and antispasmodic effect;
• xanthohumol – inhibits the growth of tumors.

Alcohol tincture of hops is useful for stress, anxiety and insomnia. Dried cones are added to special pillows that are placed at the head of the bed so that the aroma contributes to sound sleep. Antioxidants in the composition of essential oils help to strengthen the immune system, so the plant extract is taken as an aid in the treatment of influenza and SARS. Hop polyphenols improve the production of gastric juices, but do not increase acidity, which has a beneficial effect on digestion.

Hops has been proven effective in the treatment of menstrual syndromes and disorders associated with menopause. The plant contains 8-prenylnaringenin, which relieves pain and spasms, reduces the intensity of bleeding. A group of scientists from Ghent University in 2006 conducted a study in the city of Turku, in which 40 women took part. The experiment showed that alcoholic tincture of hops reduces the discomfort associated with menopausal hot flashes and night sweats, which improves sleep during menopause.

How to prepare hop tincture on vodka (moonshine)

Dry hop inflorescences are easy to purchase in pharmacies, where they are sold as a component for herbal teas. To prepare the tincture, you can also use fresh cones grown in the garden. The crop is harvested at the end of summer, when the seedlings are already slightly dry and emit a characteristic crack.

Procedure:

1. Completely fill a carefully dried glass jar with finely chopped vegetable raw materials.
2. Fill the hops with vodka to the brim.
3. Put the container in a cool dark place for 1,5 months.
4. Shake the jar periodically.
5. When ready, strain the tincture and pour into dark glass bottles.

In the same way, you can prepare a tincture of moonshine on hops. Alcohol dissolves the beneficial components of the plant well, so the medicinal additive will not lose its medicinal properties from the replacement of the material. Hops pair well with valerian and passionflower, so these herbs are often used together.

How to take hop tincture

Tincture is taken 2-4 ml up to three times a day. With severe stress and insomnia, the most favorable time for taking is half an hour before bedtime. You should start with a small amount to make sure there are no allergic reactions. Hops is relatively safe for health, but it is not recommended to combine it with sleeping pills and sedatives. At the initial stage of administration, the drug may cause slight discomfort in the stomach, over time, these phenomena disappear.

Противопоказания

Hops tincture enhances the action of a number of antibiotics and is not recommended for use simultaneously with drugs containing estrogen. The drug may interfere with the effect of some drugs for the treatment of the liver.

Attention! Self-medication can be dangerous, consult your doctor.