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ROSEHIPS - HERBAL OVERVIEW
ROSEHIPS / ROSE HIPS
Rosa Canina Wild Rose, Dog Rose, Rose, Rosa Species, Hip Berry, Rose Haws, Wild Boar Fruit
Rosehips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is actually the fruit of the rose. The curative potential of rosehips - the fleshy red fruits of the dog rose and other types of wild and shrub roses - has been known since the Stone Age. Today, as then, the fruits are mashed into a vitamin-rich pulp and consumed raw or cooked. They are also often dried. Rose hips are used to prepare teas, extracts, purees or marmalades.
ROSEHIPS PLANT DESCRIPTION
The dog rose, a main source of rosehips, grows up to 10 feet high and bears fragrant white flowers. The hips, which have a slightly sour but pleasant taste, emerge in the fall, after the blooms have faded and the petals have dropped off.
Native to Europe, northern Africa and western and central Asia, wild and shrub roses now grow in many parts of the United States, too.
PLANT PARTS USED
Rosehips can be used fresh or dried, shelled or powdered for medicinal purposes. To prepare them, cut the fruits open. For wine or a smooth texture in jellies or purees, remove the seeds. When you are ready to store them, do not use a metal container because the fruit acids can react with the metal, giving the hips an off flavor.
Most commonly found in tea and liquors, they are seldom found in capsule or extract form.
ROSEHIPS CONSTITUENTS / COMPONENTS
Rosehips are prized primarily for their high vitamin C content. They are one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C available, which has led to rosehips being included in many common cold preventives and remedies. The fruits also contain such health-promoting substances as carotenoids (yellow-orange pigments with antioxidant properties), fruit acids and pectin. In addition to vitamin C, rosehips contain A, D, E, iron as well the antioxidant flavonoids and lycopene that may reduce the effects of aging and help prevent cancer. All this is wrapped up in the tart-sweet taste of the miniature fruits. They can be used to make jelly, jam, soup or oil. During World War II, the British government used collected rosehips to make rosehip syrup as a source of vitamin C to replace citrus fruits that were impossible to obtain.
Rosehips have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The iron in rosehips make them an excellent supplement for menstruating women, and rose hip tea is a rich source of vitamin C, carrying all the benefits of that vitamin. In addition, the various flavonoids in rosehips have potent antioxidant action, helping to protect the body from the effects of stress, aging and the environment.
ROSEHIPS HISTORY
THE ROSE
Roses are a group of herbaceous shrubs found in temperate regions throughout both hemispheres. All the Roses of the Antipodes, South Africa and the temperate parts of South America have been carried there by cultivation.
The birthplace of the cultivated Rose was probably Northern Persia, on the Caspian, or Faristan on the Gulf of Persia. Thence it spread across Mesopotamia to Palestine and across Asia Minor to Greece. And thus it was that Greek colonists brought it to Southern Italy. It is beyond doubt that the roses used in ancient days were cultivated varieties. Horace, who writes at length on horticulture, gives us an interesting account of the growing of roses in beds. Pliny advises the deep digging of the soil for their better cultivation. In order to force their growth, it was the practice to dig a ditch round the plants and to pour warm water into the ditch just as the rose-buds had formed. The varieties were then very limited in number, but it would appear that the Romans, at all events, knew and cultivated the red Provins Rose (Rosa gallica), often mistakenly called the Provence Rose. The word rosa comes from the Greek word rodon (red), and the rose of the Ancients was of a deep crimson color, which probably suggested the fable of its springing from the blood of Adonis.
The voluptuous Romans of the later Empire made lavish use of the blossoms of the rose. Horace enjoins their unsparing use at banquets, when they were used not only as a means of decoration, but also to strew the floors, and even in winter the luxurious Romans expected to have petals of roses floating in their Falernian wine. Roman brides and bridegrooms were crowned with roses, so too were the images of Cupid and Venus and Bacchus. Roses were scattered at feasts of Flora and Hymen, in the paths of victors, or beneath their chariot-wheels, or adorned the prows of their war-vessels. Nor did the self-indulgent Romans disdain to wear rose garlands at their feasts, as a preventive against drunkenness. To them, the rose was a sign of pleasure, the companion of mirth and wine, but it was also used at their funerals.
As soon as the Rose had become known to nations with a wide literature of their own, it was not only the theme of poets, but gave rise to many legends. Homer's allusions to it in the Iliad and Odyssey are the earliest records, and Sappho, the Greek poetess, writing about 600 B.C., selects the Rose as the Queen of Flowers. (The "Rose of Sharon" of the Old Testament is considered to be a kind of Narcissus, and the "Rose of Jericho" is a small woody annual, also not allied to the Rose.)
It was once the custom to suspend a Rose over the dinner-table as a sign that all confidences were to be held sacred. Even now the plaster ornament in the center of a ceiling is known as "the rose." It has been suggested that because the Pretender could only be helped secretly, sub rosa, that the Jacobites took the white rose as his symbol. Although there is no British "Order of the Rose," their national flower figures largely in the insignia of other orders, such as the Garter, the order of the Bath, etc.
DOG ROSE
The Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is a flower of the early summer, its blossoms expanding in the first days of June and being no more to be found after the middle of July. The general growth of the Dog Rose is subject to so much variation that the original species defined by Linnaeus has been divided by later botanists into four or five subspecies. The flowers vary very considerably in color, from almost white to a very deep pink, and have a delicate but refreshing fragrance. The scarlet fruit, or hip (a name that has come down from the Anglo-Saxon hiope), is generally described as "flask-shaped." It is what botanists term a false fruit, because it is really the stalk-end that forms it and grows up round the central carpels, enclosing them as a case; the real fruits, each containing one seed, are the little hairy objects within it. Immediately the flower has been fertilized, the receptacle round the immature fruits grows gradually luscious and red and forms the familiar "hip," which acts as a bait for birds, by whose agency the seeds are distributed. At first the hips are tough and crowned with the fivecleft calyx leaves, later in autumn they fall and the hips are softer and more fleshy. The pulp of the hips has a grateful acidity. In former times when garden fruit was scarce, hips were esteemed for dessert. Gerard assures us that "the fruit when it is ripe maketh the most pleasante meats and banketting dishes as tartes and such-like," the making whereof he commends "to the cunning cooke and teethe to eate them in the riche man's mouth." Another old writer says: "Children with great delight eat the berries thereof when they are ripe and make chains and other pretty geegaws of the fruit; cookes and gentlewomen make tarts and suchlike dishes for pleasure." The Germans still use them to make an ordinary preserve and in Russia and Sweden a kind of wine is made by fermenting the fruit.
Rose hips were long official in the British Pharmacopeia for refrigerant and astringent properties, but are now discarded and only used in medicine to prepare the confection of hips used in conjunction with other drugs, the pulp being separated from the skin and hairy seeds and beaten up with sugar. It is astringent and considered strengthening to the stomach and useful in diarrhea and dysentery, allaying thirst, and for its pectoral qualities good for coughs and spitting of blood. Culpepper states that the hips are "grateful to the taste and a considerable restorative, fitly given to consumptive persons, the conserve being proper in all distempers of the breast and in coughs and tickling rheums" and that it has "a binding effect and helps digestion." He also states that "the pulp of the hips dried and powdered is used in drink to break the stone and to ease and help the colic." The constituents of rose hips are malic and citric acids, sugar and small quantities of tannin, resin, wax, malates, citrates and other salts.
The leaves of the Dog Rose when dried and infused in boiling water have often been used as a substitute for tea and have a grateful smell and sub-astringent taste. The flowers, gathered in the bud and dried, are said to be more astringent than the Red Roses. They contain no honey and are visited by insects only for their pollen. Their scent is not strong enough to be of any practical use for distillation purposes.
Two explanations have been put forward for the popular name of this wild rose. The first is founded on an ancient tradition that the root would cure a bite from a mad dog (Pliny affirming that men derived their knowledge of its powers from a dream); and the other and more probable theory that it was the Dag Rose - "dag" being a dagger - because of its great thorns, and like the "Dogwood" (originally Dagwood) became changed into "Dog" by people who did not understand the allusion.
Wild Roses are found in various places from forests to canyons, logged wastelands and thickets. There are nine species of Roses, all of which have edible fruits and flowers, though they are not necessarily tasty. The "hips" (fruit) follows the flower, generally appearing in the fall and resembling a tiny dried apple. Rose Hips contain more vitamin C, calcium, phosphorus, and iron than oranges, and sixty times more vitamin C than lemons. Hundreds of years ago, a decoction of hips was used internally for rheumatism, indigestion, kidney ailments, and fever. Externally it was used as a wash for scabs and sores. In England during World War II, Rose Hips was used to offset the shortage of citrus fruits and prevent scurvy.
Today Rose Hips is used to treat infections of the bladder and kidney, diarrhea, skin problems, colds and flu, sore throat, fatigue, inflammation, stress, and nervousness. It has also been used to treat arteriosclerosis, circulatory insufficiencies, contagious disease, and PMS.
Information and the above history about roses was obtained from Botanical.com: A Modern Herbal - Roses.
ROSEHIPS USES
Because they are so rich in vitamin C - which strengthens the immune system - rosehips are often taken to prevent or treat colds. They also have very mild diuretic and astringent properties that may help people with chronic kidney disease or poor bladder control. The fruit acids and pectin in rosehips can have a slight laxative effect. In addition, rosehips antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties make them useful as a disinfectant.
ROSEHIPS DOSAGE INFORMATION
Rosehips comes in various forms and is an ingredient in many products. For best results, read and follow product label directions. Just 1 tablespoon of rosehip pulp more than satisfies the adult Recommended Dietary Allowance for vitamin C: 60 mg. To store the pulp, freeze it in small portions.
METHODS OF ADMINISTRATION
ROSEHIPS SAFETY & INTERACTION INFORMATION
Taken in the recommended doses, Rose Hips is generally safe; however, taking vitamin C in high doses can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. If you have kidney stones, consult your health care provider before using rosehips. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with severe liver or kidney disease is not known.
ROSEHIPS SUPPLEMENTS & PRODUCTS
Herbal Remedies: Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme, 1 oz.
Burt's Bees Evening Primrose Overnight Creme utilizes the well known rejuvenating properties of Rosehip Seed Oil, and excellent source of natural vitamin A, rapidly penetrates facial skin and help repair and diminish early signs of aging.
Herbal Remedies: Citrus Facial Scrub, Burt's Bees, 2 oz.
Burt's Bees Citrus Facial Scrub contains ground almonds, orange peel and rose petals to gently exfoliate and leave skin clean, clear and moisturized.
Herbal Remedies: Female Energy Tea With Black Cumin Seed, 20 Tea Bags
This energizing tea is formulated to help ladies get into an intimate mood. Made with Black Cohosh, Ginseng, Ginkgo, Black Cumin Seed, St. John's Wort, Gotu Kola, Rose Hips and other herbs.
Herbal Remedies: Heart Fortifier Herb Tea, 20 Tea Bags
Heart fortifier Herb Tea is used to invigorate blood supply and circulation, nurture the blood and maintain normal heart functions.
Herbal Remedies: Male Energy Tea With Black Cumin Seed, 20 Tea Bags
This tea is for the guys. Made with Ginseng, Ginkgo, Yohimbe, Saw Palmetto, Black Cumin Seed, Rose Hips and other herbs, this energizing tea will get their motor running.
Herbal Remedies: Nighttime Tea, Caffeine Free, 30 Tea Bags
Nighttime Tea is a soothing and relaxing blend of traditional herbs used to promote rest and relaxation.
Herbal Remedies: Rock Rose Bach Flower Remedies Tincture, Bach Flower Essence, Helianthenum Nummularium, 20 ml (0.70 fl. oz.)
Rock Rose is the Bach Flower Remedy against terror, and as such is an important ingredient in Rescue Remedy.
Herbal Remedies: Rose Hip Seed Oil, 100% Pure, NOW Foods, 1 fl. oz.
Rose Hip Seed Oil can be added to shampoos, moisturizers and skin creams to help rejuvenate your skin and hair.
Herbal Remedies: Rose Oil, Rosa Centifolia, 100% Natural Absolute In 5% Grape Seed Oil Base, NOW Foods, 1 fl. oz.
Rose Oil from NOW Foods is all natural and has a sweetly floral aroma. While primarily used as a fragrance, Rose essential oil can be used for aromatherapy.
Herbal Remedies: Rose Soap, Organic Fair Trade Castile Bar Soap, Dr. Bronner's
Dr. Bronner's organic Rose soap, with its beautifully blended natural essential oils, has an elegant and romantic traditional feel.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C-500 With Rosehips, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 500 mg, 250 Caps
Nature's Way Vitamin C with rosehips offers a rich whole plant source of vitamin C.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C Liquid, With Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids, Kosher, Natural Citrus Flavor, Dynamic Health, 1000 mg, 16 fl. oz.
Liquid Vitamin C with Natural Rose Hips & Bioflavonoids is an easy to swallow dietary supplement that exceeds the recommended daily intake of vitamin C.
Herbal Remedies: Vitamin C-1000 With Rosehips, 100% Natural, Nature's Way, 1000 mg, 250 Caps
Vitamin C provides antioxidant protection for many of the body's important enzyme systems. White blood cells utilize Vitamin C to help produce cytotoxic enzymes which they use to eliminate foreign matter.
Mountain Rose Herbs: Rosehips (Rosa Canina), Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Mountain Rose Herbs: Rosehips Powder (Rosa Canina) , Certified Organic, Bulk Herbs
Shaman Shop: Rose Hips (Rosa Canina; Rosehips) Powder, Kalyx, 2.2 lbs.
Shaman Shop: Rose Hips Powdered 4:1 Extract (Rosa Canina; Rosehips), Kalyx, 2.2 lbs.
Shaman Shop: Rose Hips Standardized Extract Powder (Rosa Canina; Rosehips), 5% Vitamin C, Kalyx, 2.2 lbs.
Shaman Shop: Roseberry Certified Organic Herb Tea Blend, Choice Organic Teas, 16 Tea Bags
Shaman Shop: Rosehips, Herbal Extracts Plus, 600 mg, 90 VCaps
Shaman Shop: Rosehips Powder, Herbal Extracts Plus, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips, Cut & Sifted, Seedless, Frontier, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips Powder, Certified Organic, Frontier, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips Seed, Pure Carrier Oil, Frontier, 8 oz.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips Tea Bags, Certified Organic, Starwest Botanicals, 1 lb.
Shaman Shop: Rosehips, Whole, Certified Organic, Frontier, 1 lb.
Herbal Remedies: Rosehips Supplements & Products
Herbal Remedies: Rosehips / Rose / Rosa Species / Wild Rose Hips Information
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MoonDragon's Health Information: Nutrition Basics: Herbal Index
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