Hops, Humulus lupulus

Pain Reliever: Holy basil has pain relieving properties that work well for headaches and minor pains. It helps relieve migraines, sinus headaches, and kidney pain. Anti-Depressant Effects: Holy basil has known anti-depressant and anti-anxiety properties. It helps users feel less anxious and more relaxed in social situations. Holy basil also relieves stress from physical, mental, and emotional sources.

Eye Inflammations, Cataracts, Macular Degeneration, Glaucoma, Vision: Problems:

Taken internally and regularly as a tea or as a supplement, holy basil helps prevent eye problems such as cataracts, macular degeneration, glaucoma, vision problems, and ophthalmia. Boils, conjunctivitis, and other eye inflammations or infections are treated by soaking holy basil in boiled water, then using the water to wash the eye. Holy basil contains high amounts of vitamins A and C, along with high antioxidant content and essential oils that are especially beneficial for the eyes. Stomach and Digestive System: Holy basil is beneficial to the stomach and digestive system by naturally decreasing stomach acid and increasing mucus secretion. This naturally helps decrease number the effects of peptic ulcers. Eat the whole plant for relief from peptic ulcers, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Harvesting: Harvest holy basil from a source grown away from pollutants, pesticides, and herbicides. Look for vibrant green leaves without any holes or dark spots. Harvest the young leaves and stems from the top of the plant or cut the stems at ground level. Fresh holy. Basil will keep for several days in the refrigerator or it can be dried for future use. Recipes. Holy Basil Tea: 2 to 3 teaspoons of dried holy basil leaves, 1 cup boiling water. Pour boiling water over dried holy basil leaves and allow the mixture to steep for five to six minutes. Strain and enjoy. Warning: Holy basil is considered safe for eating and medicinal uses. It should be avoided during pregnancy, when trying to become pregnant, or when breast-feeding because the effects on the child are unknown. Holy basil can lower blood sugar levels and should be used with care when taking insulin or anti-diabetes drugs. People with hypothyroidism should not use holy basil. It may lower thyroxine levels and worsen the condition. Holy basil can interfere with blood clotting. Stop using holy basil at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Wild hops belong to the Cannabaceae (Hemp) Family. Hops are native to Europe, western Asia, and North America. Hops are a bine plant (versus a vine). They have a branching stem with stiff hairs that face downward and provide stability. These allow the plant to climb. Hops grow from 15 to 25 feet (4.5 meters to 7.6 meters) high. Identification: Hops have green, opposite, lobed leaves. Leaves have 3 to 5 lobes with finely toothed edges and pointed tips. Male and female hops flowers are on separate plants. Male flowers grow in 3 to 5 inches (7.5 cm to 12.5 cm) panicles. The female flower (seed cone) resembles a small pine cone. Flowers are 1½ to 3 inches (3.75 to 7.5 cm) long with overlapping, yellowish-green bracts with a small fruit (achene) at the base. The flowers have a sweet smell. Edible Use: The female flowers (seed cones or strobiles) are used for tea and for brewing beer. Young leaves and shoots are sometimes used cooked or eaten raw. Extracts ad oils from hops are used as a flavoring in non-alcoholic beverages and sweets.