The rose hip, also known as rose haw or rose hep, is the fruit of the rose plant, that typically is red-to-orange, but ranges from dark purple to black in some species. Rosehips begin to form after successful pollination of flowers in spring or early summer, and ripen in late summer through autumn. The wild dog rose is most commonly the species cultivated for the rosehips.

Rosehips are the best source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges and most citrus fruits. A single tablespoon of the pulp provides an adult more than the recommended daily allowance of 60 mg. Due to its high content in vitamin C, rosehips are an excellent immune booster, and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.

Rosehips are oftetimes used for herbal teas, jam, jelly, syrup, rose hip soup, beverages, pies, bread, wine and marmalade. They can also be eaten raw when fresh, like any berry. These fruits are commonly used as a herbal tea, often blended with hibiscus flower, and an oil is also extracted from the seeds. Rosehip soup is especially popular in Sweden. Rhodomel, a type of mead, is made with rose hips. Rose hips can be used in palinka, a traditional Hungarian fruit brandy. Rose hip oil is very popular in cosmetology, for its anti-inflammatory, anti-ageing properties.

Rose hip is particularly high in vitamin C, beta-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene and other important phytonutrients, that make the fruit very potent.

Medicinal Applications:

The fruit acids and pectin in rosehip tea are a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation.

The astringent qualities of rose hip oil make it a valuable addition in cosmetic preparations. It has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells. This can be used to treat scars, acne and burns. While it is an astringent, it does not dry out the skin; actually it helps to rehydrate it, keeping the moisture in. Drinking rose hip tea daily will also benefit ones skin. Rosehips have a high vitamin A, a vitamin which is usually reffered to as skin vitamin. It helps to regenerate skin cells, healing wounds and scars. It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished. This will not only prevent wrinkles, but can actually help to minimize any that have already appeared.

The vitamin A is also beneficial to the immune system. It can help to prevent infections from both bacteria and viruses. It helps the immune system to fight of fany infections that do occur too.

Many complementary medicine physicians use rose hip to treat wounds and inflammation. Research has shown that the fruit is very useful in treating rheumatoid arthritis. The group taking the remedy had an improvement in their mobility by 20 to 25%. They experience less pain and general overall improvement in mood and the way they felt. The studies showed significant improvement in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis as well, providing the anti-inflammatory properties.

Because rosehips contain a variety of antioxidant; carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins and catechins, they are considered to be a good cancer preventative. These same antioxidants are also used to prevent against cardiovascular disease.

Rosehips are excellent for preventing and treating colds, flu and vitamin C deficiencies.

Rose hips are also used for stomach disorders including stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, preventing stomach irritation and ulcers and as a stomach tonis for intestinal diseases.

This is to inform you that we are not doctors. What is written above has a simple character and in no way replaces medical application. Always consult your doctor about your health issues.