Rose hips are a round portion of rose flowers that are found below the petals. It contains seeds of the rose plant. Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant which forms in autumn and late summer after the rose plant is pollinated. When the rosebud falls, the fruit of the plant arises. The fruit is red and could be purple, orange, or black. Rose hips could be found in the form of jellies, jams, bread, tisanes, soups, pies, wine, and marmalade. The seeds and dried rose hips are used to make medicines. Rose hips have a high content of Vitamin C which helps to prevent and treat flu, colds, and Vitamin C deficiency. The vitamin C found in Rosehips is destroyed during drying and processing. Rose hips are used to treat stomach disorders such as spasms, ulcers, stomach irritation, and stomach acid deficiency. It is useful for constipation, diarrhea, gallbladder ailments, gallstones, gout, edema or dropsy, high cholesterol, diabetes, chest ailments, weight loss, and fever.

Rose hips are a round portion of rose flowers that are found below the petals. It contains seeds of the rose plant. Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant which forms in autumn and late summer after the rose plant is pollinated. When the rosebud falls, the fruit of the plant arises. The fruit is red and could be purple, orange, or black. Rose hips could be found in the form of jellies, jams, bread, tisanes, soups, pies, wine, and marmalade. The seeds and dried rose hips are used to make medicines. Rose hips have a high content of Vitamin C which helps to prevent and treat flu, colds, and Vitamin C deficiency. The vitamin C found in Rosehips is destroyed during drying and processing. Rose hips are used to treat stomach disorders such as spasms, ulcers, stomach irritation, and stomach acid deficiency. It is useful for constipation, diarrhea, gallbladder ailments, gallstones, gout, edema or dropsy, high cholesterol, diabetes, chest ailments, weight loss, and fever.

The botanical name of Rosehip is derived from the common names dog rose. It is also believed that the term dog indicates worthless. It was used in the 18^th and 19^th centuries for treating bites of rabid dogs. So this seems how the name dog rose rise to the treatment. Other common names for Rose hip are Dog-rose, Common briar, Hundsrose, Eglantier, Escaramujo, Kusburnu, Peterlenga, Maces, Pittellenga, Shipka, Rosa selvatico, Silan, Sipurak, Silank, Sverboritki, Ward barri, Tabgha, Apothecary Rose, Cynorhodons, Cynorhodon, Cynosbatos, Dog Rose, Églantier, Dog Rose Hips, Fruit de l’Églantier, Heps, Gulab, Hip, Hip Fruit, Hipberry, Hip Sweet, Hop Fruit, Phool Gulab, Persian Rose, Pink Rose and Rosa alba.

Facts of Rosehip

Plant description

Apothecary’s rose is a perennial shrub growing to 5 feet (1.5 m), with sharp thorns, serrated leaves, and delicately scented, deep pink flowers. Native to the Middle East, it’s been cultivated around the world for centuries. Hybridization of the apothecary’s rose gave rise to the strongly scented damask rose (Rosa × Damascena) and Provence rose (Rosa centifolia) from which essential oils are commonly extracted. The dog rose (R. Canina) with sweet-scented white or pink flowers and more delicate stems and sharp thorns are found in the wild and self-seeds. Neither needs much attention except to control their tendency to spread.

History of Rose Hip

Renowned for lifting the spirits, this queen of flowers is used in folklore to make or mend alliances, and as an aphrodisiac. Used by the Romans in festivities where petals were eaten, roses were valued in monastic gardens both spiritually, as symbols of Christ’s blood, and for their healing powers. Traditionally used as an antidepressant—the first-century Arab physician Avicenna prepared rose water, while sixteenth-century British herbalist John Gerard said, “The distilled water is good for the strengthening of the heart and refreshing of the spirits, and likewise for all things that require a gentle cooling.” Hips are used as a sedative in herbal medicine and the essential oil (“attar of rose”) is used in aromatherapy as an antidepressant, a sedative, and for pain relief in arthritis.

Health Benefits of Rosehip

Minerals, vitamins, essential nutrients, and organic compounds are found in Rosehips provide a powerful punch. It also includes vital components such as Vitamin A, C, E, B-complex and minerals such as iron, calcium, manganese, selenium, phosphorus, magnesium, silicon, sulfur and zinc. Moreover, it contains organic compounds such as pectin, lycopene, beta carotene and lutein which are essential for the body.  Rose hips are able to lower the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, prevent cancer, relieve respiratory, lower cholesterol, increase urination, manage diabetes, boost immune system, build stronger bones and promote circulation.

1. Treat diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is an endocrinal disorder and medicinal plant which plays a vital role in managing diseases. Rosa canina is used for antioxidant as well as α-amylase inhibition activities. The methanolic extract of Rosehip shows total phenol and flavonoid contents. Besides antioxidants, it is able to detain starch digestion by the way of inhibition of digestive enzymes. Results show that methanolic extract of Rosehip helps to inhibit α-amylase with a higher degree of inhibition. Rosehip could delay the digestion of starch which follows carbohydrate consumption of the dense meal. The infusion of Rosehip is helpful to control diabetes. (1)

2. Prevent colon cancer

Rose hips contain antioxidant and antiproliferative properties on human cancer cell lines. The tested compounds were vitamin C, total extract, acidic polyphenols, and neutral polyphenols. The extracts showed high cytotoxicity both low and high concentrations after 72 hours. An analysis of flow cytometric revealed that fractions produce disturbances in the cell cycle results in concomitant cell death by apoptotic pathway. Exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide in presence of plant fractions and lowered production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). The data indicated that extracts of rosehip act as powerful antioxidants which produce an antiproliferative effect in Caco-2 cells. These results show the promising future for Rosa canina. This plant could be an effective component for functional foods which is addressed for colorectal carcinoma. (2)

3. Acts as antioxidant

The research was made to identify the biochemical compounds found in Rosehip fruits. It was reported that Rosehip fruit contains high content of ascorbic acid, flavonoid, and phenolic content, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, and antioxidant activities. The study was conducted for evaluating main phytochemicals such as total polyphenols, vitamin C, and total flavonoids content and antioxidant activity. The content of Vitamin C fruit varies according to the altitude and biotype. Antioxidant and polyphenol content are the parameters of quality for rosehips for their biological properties. (3)

4. High phenolic contents

Compounds such as antimutagenic, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic activities could be found in Rosehip. Different concentrations of Rosehip fruit extracts are examined the correlations between antioxidant effect and phenolic contents. Rosehip shows antioxidant activities at all concentrations with respect to lowering power, hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity, and superoxide anion radical scavenging. Results show that Rosehip acts as an antioxidant and prooxidant with effects that depend on its concentrations. (4)

5. Prevent cancer

The study shows that the extract of rosehip lowered the growth and migration of breast cancer cells. The high content of rosehip extract had lowered the migration of breast cancer cells by 45%. Extract of fruit prevents the growth of cancerous growth in the brain which is a place where cells of breast cancer. The study focuses on the phytochemicals which are found in rosehip tea. The fruit has polyphenols that help to prevent the proliferation of human cancer cells. The study shows that rose hips have active components that prevent the chances of colorectal cancer. It possesses anti-inflammatory actions which contribute to cancer-preventive properties. It also contains bioactive compounds such as ascorbic acid, phenols, pectins, and tannins which help to eliminate oxidative stress that could result in cancer. Fruit effectively suppresses inflammation. Tiliroside is a major flavonoid that provides anti-inflammatory properties.  Rose hips possess lycopene which is well known for its anticancer activities. It provokes communication between cells and its damage could result in to increase in cancerous tumors.

6. Reduce cholesterol

The daily consumption of extract of Rosehip is associated with lowering levels of cholesterol. This fruit might be helpful for obese patients. The people who intake a drink of rosehip powder regularly for six weeks experience a significant drop in levels of blood cholesterol by 5 percent. It could lower the chances of heart problems by 17 percent. It could be used as a secure alternative for anti-cholesterol drugs which might provide some side effects.

7. Treat rheumatoid arthritis

The study shows that patients who consume rose hip had greater improvements in arthritic conditions. The powder extracted from the rosehip lowered pain in joints, hips, and knees. This study was conducted on 300 osteoarthritis patients. It contains fatty acid GOPO which could contribute to anti-arthritic properties in this fruit. The pill of Rosehip helps to lower arthritic pain by 90 percent. Lipton which is a popular arthritic medicine is prepared from the processed ground rose hips. Another important quality is that it does not contain ulcerogenic effects like other medications.

8. Skin health

The oil extracted from rosehip fruit is used to promote skin health. Vitamin C promotes collagen production and lowers the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Vitamin A enhances the moisture content of the skin. This oil helps to counteract UV damage caused by the sun. The antioxidants help to promote the tone and texture of the skin and also treat pigmentation. This oil has essential fatty acids which prevent scarring and promote skin regeneration. But it should not be applied to acne directly. Rosehip oil is able to regenerate new skin cells and is useful in treating burns acne and scars. It rehydrates skin and keeps the moisture in. Drink rose hip tea regularly to get skin benefits.

9. Cardiovascular health

Polyphenols, flavonoids, and carotenoids are found in Rosehips which act as powerful antioxidants that help to neutralize or eliminate free radicals from the body. It is the byproducts of cellular metabolism which could damage healthy cells that cause mutation into cancerous cells. Lack of antioxidants or free radicals is associated with heart diseases, cancer, and premature aging. Rose hips have antioxidants which keep the body healthy.

10. Strong bones

Vitamin C found in Rosehip is vital for the production of collagen. Collagen with other minerals helps to prevent the chances of osteoporosis by maintaining the density of minerals and keeping the bones strong and flexible.

What scientists say

In humans: Initial studies show rose scent increases measures of parasympathetic (rest) activity and induces feelings of contentment. Essential oil relieves anxiety during labor and depression and (with lavender) anxiety in postpartum women. It relieves pain in children, menstruation, lower back, and migraine in controlled trials. It improves sleep quality in coronary care patients and sexual function (in males and females) in major depression. Rosewater reduced anxiety in renal patients and hips improved wellness ratings and lower blood pressure and back pain in other pilot studies.

In the lab: The petals, essential oil, and hips (wild, R. Canina) are antidepressant, antianxiety, anticonvulsant, hypnotic, analgesic, and neuroprotective in lab tests.

Key ingredients

The expensive pure essential oil is a mix of plant terpenes including the calming and uplifting citronellol, geraniol, linalool (also in lavender), and nerol  (also in bitter orange). As with lemon balm oil, beware of imitations spiked with other cheaper oils or chemicals. Hips contain flavonoids and polyphenols.

How to take it

The essential oil is commonly used in aromatherapy. Rosebuds make one of the best botanical teas, fresh rose petals can be added to salads and hips make perfect jellies and syrups to eat on toast or with cheese or red meats. Rosewater (extract of flowers) can be used in cocktails such as gin fizz.

Rose Hip Side Effects

The side impact symptoms of rosehip usually are not quite normal.

1. Inhaling Side Effect

It is recommended not to breathe in rosehip powder. It’s been researched that breathing in the rosehip powder starts stern irritation within the lungs.

2. Skin Side Effects

The skin use items that consist of rosehip extracts need to be utilized very carefully. Research claim that rose hip may cause negative effects to the skin, different from minor skin irritation to main skin reactions as well as inflammation and also itching of skin.

3. Intestinal Side Effects

Consumption of rosehip may cause numerous intestinal problems. Consuming more than 3g of rose hips each day may cause stomach cramping, stomach upset, gas, bloating, vomiting, and also diarrhea.

4. Allergic Side Effects

Being a natural plant part it is extremely natural for rosehip to stimulate several allergy symptoms. Itchiness, skin rashes, inflammation of the throat or even the tongue, inhaling and exhaling difficulty, and also lightheadedness could be brought on because of rosehip usage.

5. Blood Disorder Side Effects

People struggling with blood-associated problems need to preferably prevent rosehip. Research has shown that rosehip disrupts the assimilation of iron inside the body.

6. Sickle Cell Disease Side Effects

The vitamin C content of rosehip occasionally boosts the acid content of blood leading to sickle cell disease.

7. Rose Hip during Pregnancy

It is recommended not to take in rosehip while pregnant and also the nursing mothers too. While pregnant and also the breastfeeding period numerous hormonal modifications exist in women’s bodies, and it’s also more likely to respond to numerous things that otherwise suit them. As a preventive measure, it is strongly recommended not to take in rosehip throughout this sensitive time period.

Safety

Buds, petals, hips, and essential oil in diffusers are safe, including for children.

Traditional uses

• The plant is used to cure rabies.
• In traditional Austrian medicine, Rosehip fruits are used internally in form of tea to treat viral infections, urinary tract, and kidney disorders.
• Use it internally for treating influenza, colds, influenza, gastritis, diarrhea, and minor infectious diseases.
• The syrup prepared from Rosehip is used to add flavor to cough mixtures.
• The pulp of Rosehips dried and powdered is used in drinks to crack stone and ease colic.
• Infuse dried leaves in boiling water and used it as a substitute for tea which possesses a grateful smell and sub-astringent taste.
• It is also used to treat stomach disorders such as stomach acid deficiency, stomach spasms, intestinal diseases, stomach irritation, and intestinal disease.
• It is also useful for constipation, diarrhea, gallbladder, gallstones, kidney disorders, lower urinary tract problems, gout, fluid retention, diabetes, back and leg pain, weight loss, high cholesterol, chest ailments, high blood pressure, increase immune function, and fever.
• It quenches thirst and increases urine.

How to Eat         

• It is used for preparing tea, syrup, and marmalade
• In Bulgaria, it is used to make sweet wines and tea.
• In Slovenia, Rosehips are used to flavor soft drinks named Cockta.
• In China, it is consumed as vegetables.
• Petals are used to form unusual scented jam.
• Rose hips are used for making jams, jellies, bread, pies, tisanes, soups, and marmalade.
• Prepare Rosehip tea by steeping 4 to 8 hips in a cup of boiling water for about 10 to 15 minutes.

References

Previous

Pouteria caimito - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Next

Maqui Berry/Chilean wineberry - Nutritional Value, Health Benefits

Related Articles

Added to wishlistRemoved from wishlist 0

Phosphorus

Added to wishlistRemoved from wishlist 0

Ice Apple

Added to wishlistRemoved from wishlist 0

Vitamin K Deficiency

Added to wishlistRemoved from wishlist 0

What Is a Ketogenic Diet?