Hops
What are hops?
Hops (Humulus) are a genus of plants in the hemp family (Cannabaceae). All hop species are found in the northern hemisphere. The best-known representative of the genus is the true hop (Humulus lupulus), the varieties of which are mainly used for brewing beer.
The true hop is a vigorously growing, right-twining climbing plant. It climbs up to six meters high, twining around the branches and twigs of the surrounding trees and shrubs. The leaves are opposite, deciduous and very variable in shape. They can be roundish to ovoid or clearly lobed.
Hops are dioecious, which means that each plant bears either only male or only female flowers. The male flowers are inconspicuous yellow-green panicles that appear in the leaf axils in July and August. The female flowers are light green and resemble spruce cones from a distance. However, they bear paper-thin bracts, some of which turn reddish-brown by the time the fruit ripens. The fruits of the cultivated varieties contain a sticky resin that gives the beer its bitter, fruity taste.
What are the effects of hops?
Hops have various effects on the human and animal organism. Only the dried inflorescences of the female hop plant, the so-called **hop cones**, are used for medicinal purposes. These contain the active ingredients such as the resin with the **hop bitter acids** (humulones and lupulones) as well as secondary plant substances (including flavonoids), tannins and **xanthohumol**.
The most important effects of hops are
- Calming: Hops act on the central nervous system and promote relaxation and sleep. It can help with restlessness, anxiety, nervousness and sleep disorders.
- Digestive: Hops stimulate the secretion of gastric juices and improve the digestion of fatty foods. It can help with loss of appetite, bloating, flatulence and stomach pain.
- Anti-inflammatory: Hops are effective against bacteria, fungi and viruses and inhibit inflammatory processes in the body. It can help with skin diseases, wounds, infections and rheumatism.
- Hormonal: Hops contain phytoestrogens, which have an oestrogen-like effect.
Hops are a genus of plants from the hemp family that are found in the northern hemisphere. The best-known representative is the true hop, the varieties of which are mainly used for brewing beer. This climbing plant can grow up to six meters high and has opposite, variably shaped leaves. Hops are dioecious, with inconspicuous male and light green female flowers bearing paper-thin bracts. The fruits contain a sticky resin that gives beer its bitter, fruity taste.
Hops have various effects on the human and animal organism, mainly through the ingredients in the dried inflorescences of the female plant, the hop cones. The effects include calming, digestive support, anti-inflammatory and hormonal influences, as hops contain phytoestrogens. This can help with sleep disorders, digestive problems, inflammation and hormonal imbalances.
If you notice any signs of hypersensitivity or poisoning in your dog, you should see your vet immediately. We are not a substitute for a vet, but we try to be as accurate as possible. Every dog reacts differently and we recommend you get a second opinion or consult your vet if in doubt.
Stay healthy and take good care of your four-legged friend!😊
Similar to Hops
Malt is produced when cereal grains (usually barley or wheat) are germinated and then dried. This converts the starch and other ingredients in the grain. Malt has a sweet taste and a dark color. It...
Wheat is a plant that belongs to the sweet grass family. It has been cultivated by humans for thousands of years and used as food. Wheat consists of a grain made up of three parts: the endosperm,...
Barley belongs to the sweet grass family and is one of the oldest cultivated plants in the world. It is mainly grown as a feed and brewing grain, but is also used as food for humans. Barley has a...
Rye has several benefits for your dog's health. On the one hand, rye can aid digestion as it supports the intestinal flora and stimulates intestinal movements. On the other hand, rye can strengthen...