In ancient times, the Romans used hop flowers to fill their pillows and reduce sleep problems. This use, although it lacks evidence, has been extended to the present day in popular culture.
In fact, today the flowers of the plant are still used for therapeutic purposes, not only associated with sleeping difficulties, but also for nervousness and digestive system problems.
Hops and their properties
Hops is a climbing plant native to China, which is also grown in many regions of the world. From the same family as cannabis , it has male and female flowers, in the shape of a cone. These are the most used in natural medicine.
The plant is known to be one of the main ingredients in beer; in particular, it is responsible for giving it its characteristic bitter taste, in addition to its aroma. It contrasts with the sweetness of the malt.
However, it is also known for its content of substances with pharmacological activity. The most prominent include the following:
Tannins
Flavonoids, such as quercetin, rutin, or campferol.
Proanthocyanidins.
Phenolic acids
Bitter principles.
The benefits and properties of hops began to be studied in the middle of the 20th century. Due to its composition, certain properties are attributed to it. Here are the most popular ones.
Central nervous system sedative.
Hypnotic. This property is only present in essential oil.
Antispasmodic. Helps alleviate pain and muscle stiffness.
Bitter eupeptic. Plants that have this property stimulate the taste buds and prepare the body for digestion.
Estrogenic. This activity was observed in more than one study, and has been corroborated in different in vivo tests.
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