Hops are considered a very useful and healing plant (briefly about the composition here, and what kind of culture is this anyway? Here), but you need to know that it contains hop resins, which are converted into alcohol, so even when using the plant in folk medicine, you need to take into account contraindications.
We have hops growing in the yard:
That's why we use it actively - Dad sometimes brews beer, we use it in the garden and vegetable patch, and we also prepare medicinal products, but we don't give it to children, pregnant women, or nursing mothers.
Now I'll tell you about the uses of hops in folk medicine. I'd like to point out that I'm only describing aspects that have been proven by experience, so not all problems and illnesses will be covered. So, what are hops used for?
- relieves inflammation
- calms the nervous system;
- disinfects the body during viral diseases;
- improves immunity;
- rejuvenates cells and tissues;
- relieves allergic reaction syndromes;
- thins the blood (be careful if you have poor clotting!!!);
- helps reduce sugar levels;
- improve hair structure and promote hair growth;
- has a positive effect on the heart;
- heals wounds even with skin ulcers and relieves irritation.
I once read that hops promote weight loss, but that's not true—I tried some recipe and nothing worked. Yes, it does reduce your appetite slightly, but once the substances are eliminated from your body, it increases even more. And yes, hops don't contain any substances that burn fat.
Now, about the unpleasant aspects: if you regularly consume decoctions and tinctures, existing conditions may worsen. The pine cones also contain toxic elements, which can contribute to intoxication and, worse, the development of tumors. Therefore, be extremely careful.
I won't share recipes for treating illnesses, as I haven't used them for five years and don't remember the exact dosages. But I do use pine cones regularly to strengthen my hair, so I'm happy to share:
- for 1 part dry or fresh cones take 2-3 parts boiling water;
- Place all of this in a thermos and let it steep until it cools;
- Rub thoroughly into the scalp (I use the soft part of a dish sponge for this);
- leave for at least half an hour.
My advice is to first thoroughly massage your entire scalp – I do this with a massage brush or comb.