Rose Hips (Rosa spp.)

Family: Rosaceae

Part Used: Fruit

Flavor/Aroma: Sweet; Sour; Bitter

Energetics: Cooling

 

Overview:

These luscious fruits become bountiful as the seasons shift, and the Rose bushes push their last blooms. Rose Hips begin to express just as the cooler temperatures are upon us, and just in time to support our immune systems before winter. These fruits are packed with nutrient dense constituents such as vitamins and flavonoids, making them a perfect treat for both our health and our senses. Rose Hips have a variety of therapeutic value ranging from their cardioprotective abilities, to their delicious application in a variety of recipes.

Rose bushes grow as a perennial, thorny shrub with a variety of widths and heights, and a wide range of colored blooms, that can be found in many habitat types. Its leaves are generally darker green, have serrated edges, and are attached to woody stems. Rose species generally prefer disturbed, well-drained soil types, as well as full sun and regular watering. The Rose Hips begin to express as the flowers fade and the cooler temperatures set in usually around the autumn months.6

Cultivation and Harvesting:

Rose Hips are popularly cultivated for their potent antioxidant values and are best harvested in the fall after the flowers have fully expressed. Rose species are native to North America, Asia, Europe, and Northern Africa. Roses, with over 100 species, are one of the most popularly cultivated plants in the world.

Southern Oregon Cultivation:

A variety of Rose species grow throughout the Southern Oregon region and they can be found in habitats ranging from riverbanks to mountain sides. Rose Hips will begin to express soon after the last flowers bloom, but you must be quick to the harvest to beat the competition of our local foraging animals

History and Folklore:

Rose Hips are a prominent therapy in areas of the world such as Turkey, Iran, and Romania where it is prized for its high vitamin A and C potency. Rose Hips are commonly used in treating gallstones, constipation, gastric upset, the common cold, and are beneficial for general vitality. Currently, Turkey supplies over 70% of the worlds Rose products. Rose Hips are commonly used in Europe to flavor marmalades and jams, beverages such as wine, and other sweet and savory confections.3,4 

During World War II, over 500 pounds of Rose Hips were shipped into Britain, processed into a Rose Hips Syrup, and distributed as a nutritional supplement by the Ministry of Health due to support the health of the population and troops.3

American Native Uses: Tribes have been recorded using Rose Hips to remedy a variety of conditions including supporting the immune system, infections, pain, and inflammation. 

Traditional Chinese Medicinal Uses: Rose Hips were used to brew medicinal wines and beverages that supported the immune system and respiratory tract. The oil is popularly used in a variety of cosmetics and non-edible applications.3

Modern Applications:

There is substantial evidence of Rose Hip’s immune supporting properties, due to its high levels of vitamin C, its ability to quell a variety of stomach disorders, and its indicated use to remedy uterine discomforts and illnesses. It also may be used to relieve diarrhea, fluid retention, high blood pressure and cholesterol, chest irritations, fevers, and to increase circulation to the limbs.Topically it is used to soothe stretch marks, hemorrhoids, infections, and sore throats through its demulcent properties- these coat and relieve irritated mucous membranes.2,4 Rose hips have been researched to support obesity through the regulation of blood sugar levels, as well as supporting rheumatism pains.2,5

Uses and Preparations:

Dried Herb Tea Preparation: 

1 Tablespoon of herb decocted per cup of warm water.

Using a reusable tea bag or tea ball, immerse the loose dried herbs into boiling water and allow to steep for 5-10 minutes, preferably covered, in order to release the maximum amount of herbal goodness. Some herbal tea can carry a strong flavor. We recommend organic honey as a sweetener which preserves the beneficial herbal compounds. 

Tincture: 

2-4 mL up to 4 times daily.

Some herbal tinctures can have a strong flavor on their own. Adding your tincture to a glass of 6-8oz of water is one easy way to help, should you wish to dilute the flavor.  

Honey Infusion:

Fill any size jar to the top with petals and cover in honey. Allow it to infuse for about one week, or longer, before consuming.

Recommended Usage:

It is important to remember that some bodies may react differently than others when using herbal products. Our recommended usage amounts are designed to be an average dosage only. If you have specific concerns about the usage amount or interaction with other medication, please consult with your doctor or health care practitioner prior to using our products.

Sun God Medicinals products that contain Rose Hips:

Panacea Immune Defense Herbal Tea

Panacea Immune Defense Hemp & Herbal Syrup

Precautions:

We recommend consulting with your practitioner if you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, or if you are using any other medications.

References:

1. Rose Hips. (n.d.). http://www.herbaleducation.net/rose-hips 
2. Rose Hip. (n.d.) https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/839.html
3. Rosehips. (n.d.). http://wildfoodsandmedicines.com/rosehips/
4. Rose Hips. (n.d.). http://www.herbaleducation.net/rose-hips
5. Food as Medicine: Dog Rose Hip: HerbalEGram: February 2018. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://cms.herbalgram.org/heg/volume15/02February/FAM_Rosehip.html
6. Rosa Gallica (U.S.P) (n.d.). https://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/rosa-gall.html

For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.