Humulus lupulus, or hops, is a vine native to Europe and western Asia, used in brewing and holistic foods, beverages, and medicines. It has few side effects and is used to treat various medical ailments. Handling the plant may cause allergies, and overdosing can cause seizures and upset stomach.
Humulus lupulus, also called hops, is a well-known ingredient in the brewing industry. The plant, a vine, is native to Europe and western Asia, but is cultivated almost everywhere with modern cultivation practices. It can grow up to 29.5 feet (9 meters) tall and has yellow or white flowers. In addition to its use in brewing, it is also used in a wide range of holistic foods, beverages, and medicines. The use of humulus lupulus has few side effects, making it one of the most widely accepted herbal remedies.
Using hops to produce a better-tasting beer is actually quite a modern discovery; however, humulus lupulus was used for centuries as a natural preservative, preventing bacteria from growing in beer. Although most people have never attempted to eat hops straight from the vine, the Belgians used the top of the plant as a vegetable, eating it the same way most people eat asparagus. They usually drizzle it with cream or butter to make it more flavorful. Essential oils are used in many perfumes, mineral waters, and even smoking tobacco. Many bakers have also figured out how to use the extract in their baked goods and sweets.
The stems of the humulus lupulus are quite fibrous. Many people interested in environmental practices have suggested that the stems would make excellent biomass. The stems are already used to make filler material in corrugated paper. The leaves and flowers have also been used to make a brown dye. The rich oils of humulus lupulus are extracted and also used in many skin lotions and creams.
Humulus lupulus is used to treat a wide variety of medical ailments, ranging from leprosy and tuberculosis to stress and insomnia. American Indians heated the leaves in a bag and placed it against a sore tooth or ear. They would also have a cup of tea made with the herb as a sedative. The plant has also been hailed as a treatment for tumors, ulcers, boils, cramps, and bruises. It is also used to treat cough, diarrhea, fever, jaundice, rheumatism, hysteria, and worms. It is said to work as an aphrodisiac, antiseptic, hypnotic, diuretic, and to prevent breast and ovarian cancer.
The main side effect does not come from eating humulus lupulus, but from handling the plant. People with allergies may develop a rash, cough, or have trouble breathing. Also, people with depression, people taking central nervous system depressants, and people using hormone therapy should generally not take it. If someone overdoses on hops, it can cause seizures, restlessness, and an upset stomach. It can lower blood sugar levels, so diabetics should also consult their doctors before consuming hops.
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