MEDICINAL PLANTS

Vine, perennial cycle, whose stems are rolled, turning always to the right. Since the Middle Ages has been added to beer to providing its typical aroma and bitter taste. On the other hand, favors the better preservation thereof. It develops at the edge of rivers and generally anywhere with abundant moisture. On the Peninsula there are plantations of hops in the province of Leon, devoted exclusively to the brewing industry. Its location is common in wild northern half of the peninsula. The leaves have three to five lobes.

FLOWERING

It is a dioecious plant, that is, the male flowers are separated from the female, the former are arranged in clusters and are not very bright female flowers are protected by a series of bracts and glandular formations surrounded by a golden yellow lupulin called and develop preferentially in young branches of last season. This lupulin is the product used in the brewing. Flowering occurs in summer months, the process of collection between September and October. Drying should take place at a temperature below 55 grados CelsiusC and be kept in glass or tin containers tightly closed, protected from light can be kept for up to one year.

APPLICATIONS

It contains a rich essence Humulene, myrcene, valerian cannabeno and borneol esters, responsible for its sedative, hypnotic and spasmolytic, as used in neurodegenerative disorders such as heart palpitations, headaches and insomnia. It also contains bitter principles cetofenólicos like humulona and lupulona, which give aperitif and antiseptic action, usually used in cases of neuralgia and inappetence. Presents in its composition some flavonoids that provide a mild diuretic, to treat some cases of dropsy. This plant can also be used as an analgesic, topically applied on areas affected by rheumatism. This plant should never be used during pregnancy because it can cause nausea and dizziness, especially if they exceed the dose prescribed by the doctor.

ADMINISTRATION

Infusion. Twenty-five grams of female inflorescences are added to a liter of water, preparing an infusion should be left in contact for at least ten minutes. The fluid obtained can drink from a cup at a rate of three per day.
Macerado. Forty grams of lupulin added to a liter of water, leaving it at rest and marinate for a day, the resulting liquid can take up to three cups a day.
Infusion external use. Prepared by adding 45 grams of the herb in a quart of water prepared for infusion. The liquid is used in bathrooms. To alleviate the pain should be submitted on a form of compresses or poultices.

SUMMARY

FAMILY: Cannabinaceas
HABITAT: Temperate
FLOWERING: Summer
PART USED: Female inflorescence, lupulin
CATALAN: Llúpol
BASQUE: Ezker-aien
GALICIAN: Lúpulo

USES

Moderate sedation, Mild Vulnerary, Mild bacteriostatic.