Benefits of Rosehips

In the past rose was a symbol of beauty, but in today’s era, we have unfolded its health benefits through scientific research. Also important to note are the benefits of rosehips, the fruit of the famed rose flower.

Also check out Rosehip Tea Benefits, Rosehip Oil for Face, and Rosehip Oil for Hair!

You might be familiar with the use and benefits of delicate and soft rose petals, but not many are as familiar with the small fruit of the rose just below its petals. It is usually red or orange in color, and is known as the rose hip. 

These small, round or oval-shaped fruits typically appear in late summer to autumn, and they are a delightful sight with their vibrant colors.

In this article, I will discuss numerous benefits associated with rosehips, e.g. for anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, weight loss, and arthritis pain, among many others. So, if you want to learn more about these health benefits, enjoy your reading!

What Are Rosehips?

Despite the similarity of the name to the rose flower, dried rosehips are not made up of flower petals. Rose hips are an accessory fruit of the rose plant, a seed-filled bulb that is used fresh or dried.

The most commonly used species of rosehips are from the wild rose plant, also known as the dog rose (Rosa canina).

Though more than 100 species in the Rosacea family exist, each with their own rosehip, research focuses on rose hips from the Rosa canina plant. [1]

Rosehips are particularly renowned for their exceptionally high vitamin C content, surpassing even oranges. As such, they have been used for centuries as a natural remedy to boost the immune system and combat colds and flu.

Historically, rosehips also were a popular deterrent for scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency in vitamin C.

In making rose hip products, mainly two types of rose hip seeds are used; these are Rosa rugosa and Rosa canina, which you can find easily in Asia, N. Africa, and most European countries. 

What Is Rosehip Good For?

You may have actually seen the rosehip being used in commercial products without knowing, as it is a popular additive in food and other supplements. 

Rosehips are used to make tea, pies, soup, jams, fermented drinks, powdered supplemental granules, and oil for hair and skin, in the US and in many different cultures worldwide. [3]

In folk medicine practices from many different cultures, it is a medicinal alternative for arthritis pain, easy digestion, fever, and other medical problems.

Rosehip Nutrition:

Rosehip is full of nutrition, most of which is stored in its edible seeds. It is enriched in vitamin C (76 %) with many others, such as calories, carbs, fiber, and vitamins A and E. Lycopene and carotene pigments are helpful for the health of the skin and eyes.

However, keep in mind that the exact amount of nutrient present depends on the species and soil where the plant has been grown. Also, treating rose hip at a higher temperature can significantly lower its nutrient content. [4] [5]

Rosehip Dosage:

Dosing instructions may vary according to the mode of ingestion. In supplement form, 500 to 750 milligrams per day is suggested. While in the case of rose hip tea, 2 to 3 grams in powdered form mixed in 150 ml of water is enough. [6]

Associated Benefits of Rosehips:

Rosehips have a bundle of benefits due to the presence of ascorbic acid, carotenoids, fatty acids, and lycopene. [2]

1. Rich in antioxidants

Antioxidants or free radicals are famous for their function of reducing cell damage by molecules. Extracts from the rosehip are enriched in antioxidants than other fruit extracts.

In this case, it would be better to use fresh rose hips for tea than dried powder. [7] This is because fresh rosehip offers a higher amount of antioxidants than the dry powdered form.

2. May support a healthy immune system

It may be hard to believe, but yes, rose hip is enriched in vitamin C! This is important for proper immune system functioning.

Vitamin C plays a role in lymphocyte production and stimulation and enhances its function to protect the body against diseases. [8]

3. Reduce arthritis pain

Arthritis is a medical condition recognized by severe muscular or joint pain. Rose hip tea has magical anti-inflammatory functions that help to reduce arthritis-associated pain.

Much research has been performed to check out the validity, where it has been noticed that rosehip tea or intake is beneficial to treat arthritis. [9]

4. Reduce inflammation and pain

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory agents, polyphenols, and galactolipids, rosehip tea provides resistance to pain and inflammation. It has been proved through research that rosehip tea is helpful for arthritis and osteoarthritis conditions.

5. Help with weight loss

Rosehip tea can potentially aid in weight loss efforts. According to the result of a study, 32 people participated showed significant weight loss by taking rosehip supplements in 12 weeks, as compared to other people. This result has been illustrated by other animal studies as well. [10] [11]

6. Reduce cardiac attack risk

Rosehips contains a high level of fiber and antioxidants that may help to reduce heart cholesterol levels, as a result boosting the overall health of the heart.

In a study involving 31 people, those who were treated with rose hip experienced lower LDL cholesterol levels. [12]

7. Easy to add to your routine

Making rosehip tea is just a piece of cake! Wash the rosehips to remove any dirt. Boil the water and place 4 to 5 rosehips in it.

Leave them in boiling water for 10-12 minutes, and your tea is ready. You can add any sweetener by choice however, honey would be best in balancing the flavor. Your fresh, iced, and homemade tea is ready.

Also, you can purchase rosehip powder or capsules to use as a dietary supplement or add to other recipes.

Does Rosehip Have Any Side Effects?

Rosehip is considered safe, and no potential side effects have been observed in the users. However, we cannot say anything about the use of rosehips during pregnancy, since sufficient research has not been done.

However, if you have too much rosehips, the high vitamin C content can possibly create feelings of nausea, heartburn, and an upset stomach.

Those with pre-existing conditions or on medications should ask their doctor before using rosehips supplementally.

Specifically, if you are taking psychiatric drugs containing lithium, you may need to avoid rosehips as they may increase the lithium amount in your body.

Precautions:

For safety, it is recommended to consult a nearby healthcare provider, especially if you are already suffering from some disease. 

Conclusion:

Rosehips are a natural fruit from the rose plant that is known for its sour taste and potential health benefits.

It boasts health by helping to increase immunity due to its high vitamin C and antioxidant concentration, and can be a pain-relieving option for those suffering from arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

The best part is you can prepare it with little effort! However, much research is still needed in this area to unfold the benefits of rosehips.

More Herbal Remedies:

• Amazing Mulberry Benefits for Skin

• Top 7 Ginger Benefits for Skin

• Which Teas Help You Sleep Better?

• Is Garlic Good for High Blood Pressure?

• Bromelain Benefits for Skin

• 10 Best Vegetables for Juicing

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References:

1. (n.d.-e). Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28587101/
2.  Bar, S. T. (2021, January 6). Rose Hip Tea: Health Benefits, Side Effects, and How to Brew. Sencha Tea Bar. https://senchateabar.com/blogs/blog/rose-hip-tea
3. Patel, S. (2012, December 28). Rose hips as complementary and alternative medicine: an overview of the present status and prospects. SpringerLink. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12349-012-0118-7
4. GoodData Central. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html
5. (n.d.-e). Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0260877404003139
6. Indication-specific dosing for rosa canina (rose hips), frequency-based adverse effects, comprehensive interactions, contraindications, pregnancy & lactation schedules, and cost information. (2019, September 28). https://reference.medscape.com/drug/rosa-canina-rose-hips-344509
7. Üstün, Ş. Ç. (2016, November 3). Effect of Drying Conditions on Antioxidant Properties of Rosehip Fruits (Rosa canina sp). https://www.academia.edu/29639391/Effect_of_Drying_Conditions_on_Antioxidant_Properties_of_Rosehip_Fruits_Rosa_canina_sp_
8. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5707683/
9. Supplement and Herb Guide for Arthritis Symptoms | Arthritis Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved November 4, 2022, from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/treatment/complementary-therapies/supplements-and-vitamins/supplement-and-herb-guide-for-arthritis-symptoms
10. Daily intake of rosehip extract. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25834460/
11. Rose hip supplementation increases energy expenditure. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27980600/
12. Effects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Retrieved November 3, 2022, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22166897/