Hops is a plant species belonging to the Cannabaceae family, cultivated in Turkey, particularly in regions like Bilecik, Pazaryeri, and Bursa. It can be found in many regions of the country. This green plant, which blooms white flowers between July and September, offers various health benefits due to the minerals, vitamins, and oils it contains.

Hops have antioxidant properties and can be used in alternative medicine for treatment or can be dried and consumed as a tea. The plant's cone-like shape and stiff hairs make it known by other names such as "yeast grass" and "beer flower." Hops can grow up to 2.5 meters tall with its slender, coiling stems, and its leaves resemble hearts.

The plant's flowers vary in color; male flowers are greenish and yellow, while female flowers are round and cone-shaped. Due to their volatile oil, tannin, wax, resin, and bitterness, the female flowers are collected in August and, after drying in the shade, are used in various applications.

What are the benefits of hops?

Hops is a plant known for its calming and soothing effects on the nerves. It also offers numerous benefits, including strengthening the immune system, alleviating indigestion, and boosting bodily resistance thanks to its antiseptic properties, which also provide anti-inflammatory effects.

What is hops good for?

Hops has many beneficial properties. The positive effects of this plant on health include:

• Muscle relaxant properties: Hops have muscle-relaxing properties, which can help relieve pain in muscles and joints.
• Cough suppressant effect: Thanks to the vitamins and minerals it contains, hops can have a cough suppressant effect.
• Arthritis and inflammation reducer: It can reduce inflammation and pain caused by arthritis, especially in areas such as knees, wrists and ankles.
• Appetite stimulant: The appetite stimulant effect of hops can help solve anorexia problems.
• Support for insomnia: Those who suffer from insomnia can find support in regulating their sleep by drinking a cup of hops before bed.
• Reducing menopause symptoms: Women can benefit from the relaxing effects of hops for problems such as sweating and hot flashes during menopause.
• Supporting the circulatory system: The active ingredients in it can increase blood circulation by preventing hardening of the arteries.
• Protecting cardiovascular health: The use of hops can help prevent health problems such as heart attack or stroke.

In addition to these beneficial effects, it is important for everyone to consult a specialist, especially for chronic health problems.

Hops: What are its health contributions and benefits?

Hops is a plant that can provide various benefits against many health problems. Some of the benefits of hops include:

• Appetite-stimulating effect: Hops may have appetite-stimulating properties, which may be especially helpful for people who suffer from anorexia.
• Helps with toothaches: Using hops to deal with toothaches can help relieve pain.
• Soothing and sleep-regulating: Thanks to its soothing properties, it can help those who have sleep problems and contribute to a better sleep pattern.
• Good for stomach aches: Hops can have a soothing effect on stomach aches and support the digestive system.
• Contribution to blood cleansing: Hops can help cleanse the blood and help eliminate harmful substances from the body.
• Supports wound healing: Hops can help wounds heal faster with some of the components it contains.
• Cancer-protective compounds: Some studies suggest that certain compounds found in hops may have cancer-protective effects.
• Reducing joint pain: Hops can help relieve joint pain.
• Helps with digestive problems and relieves constipation: By supporting the digestive system, it can be effective against digestive problems and constipation.
• Reducing menstrual pain: It may have effects on reducing menstrual pain in women.
• Support for osteoporosis treatment: It can help in the treatment of osteoporosis disease.
• Support against urinary tract and bladder infections: It can be supportive in the treatment of urinary tract and bladder infections.
• Preventing kidney stone formation: It can prevent the formation of kidney stones with its diuretic properties.
• Reducing menopause symptoms: It can help relieve menopause symptoms.

However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using hops, especially if you have any existing health conditions or are taking medications.

Hops: Uses and practical methods

Hops is a plant that can provide benefits in a variety of ways. Here's some information about hops:

Hops tea:

• Add one teaspoon of dried hops to 1 cup of boiling water.
• Let the mixture steep for 10 minutes.
• After brewing, strain it and add honey to sweeten it.
• It may show its effects faster when consumed on an empty stomach.
• Daily consumption should generally not exceed 1 glass.

Hop cure:

• You can make a hop cure for hair and skin health.
• You can use boiled hops by grinding them and mixing them with a cream that can be applied to the body.
• However, it is important not to leave the applied area for a long time.

Things to consider:

• If you drink hop tea regularly, it is recommended to take a break after one month of use.
• Because hops have a strong odor, adding honey to tea can improve its flavor.
• Be careful not to exceed the daily usage amount as it has an effect on hormones.

Use in hair and skin care:

• Grind the hops after boiling them.
• You can mix the resulting extract with cream to use in hair and skin care.
• However, care should be taken not to apply this cure for a long time and not to contact the skin for a long time.

Important: It's important to consult a healthcare professional or specialist before using hops, any herbal supplement, or starting any treatment program. Additionally, any existing health conditions and allergies should be taken into account.

Hop oil: Cautions and potential harms when using it

Overuse or misapplication of hop oil can lead to some adverse effects. Potential side effects of hop oil include:

• Stomach problems: Excessive consumption may cause digestive problems such as heartburn, vomiting, nausea and fatigue.
• Pre-sleep use: Although recommended for use before bedtime, excessive use may cause insomnia. Care should be taken regarding dosage.
• Cream use: Hop oil is often used in cream form on the chest area. However, using too much or leaving it on for too long can cause skin irritation and problems.
• Mixing with other herbs: When used in other herbal oils or creams, hop oil can cause health problems such as sebaceous glands and breast cysts. Drug interactions should also be considered.
• Hormonal effects: Hops can have hormonal effects. Therefore, excessive use can lead to problems like decreased libido and hirsutism, especially in people with hormonal imbalances.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Caution should be exercised when using hop oil during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should not be used without consulting a qualified healthcare professional.

Important note: Before using hop oil or any other herbal product, consult a healthcare professional. Because everyone's body is different, the correct dosage and application should be determined based on individual health conditions and allergies.

Who cannot use hop oil?

Hop oil may not be suitable for some people due to its properties. There are some situations in which you should not use hop oil:

• Those with suspected breast cancer: Hop oil may contain estrogen-like compounds. Therefore, those with suspected breast cancer are advised not to use this product.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should avoid using hop oil due to its side effects.
• Those undergoing open surgery: It may be more appropriate for those undergoing open surgery to avoid using hop oil post-operatively. A doctor should be consulted before use, and use should be discontinued two weeks prior to surgery.
• Those Taking Medication: Hops oil may interact with medications, so it is recommended that people taking medication avoid its use. It should not be used in conjunction with medications without consulting a doctor.
• Sedative effect and pre-operative use: Due to the sedative properties of hop oil, its use should be avoided before surgery. Additionally, a doctor should be consulted before and after using this product.
• Sleeping pills and alcohol: Hops oil should not be used with sleeping pills or alcohol. This can affect the central nervous system and cause unwanted interactions.

Since everyone's health situation is different, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using such herbal products.