Common hop

Hops is a perennial dioecious right-twisting vine from the Cannabaceae family. The Latin name originated as a diminutive from the Latin words humus = earth (it creeps on the ground without support) and lupus = wolf (it harms plants).

It has a strong vertical rhizome and a large number of underground shoots. When it sprouts, the new young vines are a great delicacy. As a perennial, hops can last in one place for 20–25 years.

Effects and Uses

Hop cones are not only used in beer; they are also a proven herb for both internal and external use.

Hops are rich in flavonoids, essential oils, bitter substances, and other active compounds. They have astringent and antiseborrheic effects, toning the scalp and providing it with vitality, regulating dandruff formation, and slowing down hair loss. Therefore, they are used against excessively high levels of androgens, in products for androgenic alopecia, and to regulate sebum production associated with this hormone (acne, seborrhea, hirsutism).

Internally, hops are used against insomnia and anxiety issues.

Photo: © Karayuschij | Megapixl.com