Hops is a perennial herbaceous plant with a climbing habit. Native to southern Europe, up to western Asia.Known since ancient times for its power to counteract melancholy, anxiety and nervousness. It is also very useful when there is a loss of appetite due to too many worries. It is easily found in the woods, among the hedges and in the ancient fields where it was cultivated for the production of beer, it breeds fertile and moist soils.
It was mainly used in the manufacture of beer, allowing its better preservation.
During industrial cultivation, it was noted that in hop growers sedative effects occurred, immediately attributed to substances present in the hop itself.
Curiosity about hops:
Sun-dried hops were used as padding for pillows in order to promote sleep. Even the American Indians used hops as a sedative. In America it was approved by the Pharmacology, Food and Drug Administration. Female inflorescences are used, called cones.
Vernivano used as padding of the pillows, in order to promote sleep. Even the American Indians used it as a sedative. In America it was approved by the Pharmacology, Food and Drug Administration. Female inflorescences are used, called cones.
The medicinal part is made up of female inflorescences, rich in resinous glands, secreting a yellowish substance and bitter taste, it contains: Essential oil, alpha-bitter and beta-bitter acids, Flavonols, estrogenic substances, polyphenolic tannins and Asparagine.
The main bitters are strongly stimulating of the digestive system and increase the gastric and intestinal secretions. It also has an antispasmodic activity.
He entered the composition of some mixtures for herbal teas, foreseen by the National Galenical Formulary.
Its properties
- Antiseptic
- Antispasmodic
- Digestive
- Sedative
The fruits of the Hops and its use in the Kitchen
Its fruits are small cones that are harvested in spring, very gently, taking care not to crush them, they are excellent in cooking as a side dish or to make omelettes or focaccias. Its fruits can be minced and then boiled as a vegetable, or if you want you can cook it in the pan over a low heat with a little bit of extra virgin olive oil and you can combine eggs, as you like, you can cook like asparagus.
Relaxing herbal tea recipe with hops
Ingredients:
- 40 grams of Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis)
- 40 grams Passiflora (officinal passiflora) aerial parts.
- 20 grams Hops (Humulus lupulus) flowers.
Preparation:
The herbal tea is prepared in infusion with hot water by putting 50 grams of preparation in a liter of boiling water. Leave to infuse for about 10 minutes, after filtering everything.
The herbal tea must be consumed late in the afternoon and before bedtime.
