Rose Hips

Roses are my favorite flower and they come with the added bonus of rose hips. Rose hips are the fruit of the rosebush and they have medicinal properties. They are what are left after the flowers have died. Rose hips are full of vitamin C and Danish rose hips have been said to be the best for vitamin C content. Rose hips have more vitamin C than citrus fruits as well as containing pectin, cartoene, tannins, lycopene, vitamins A and B, an antioxidant and essential fatty acids.

Rose hips have been used to made into a cough syrup for children and are available in the form of chewable tablets, capsules, tinctures, powders and teas. It is known for strengthening the capillaries, keeping down inflammation, reducing the pain of osteoarthritis, as a diuretic and as a laxative. They  have phytochemicals that protect against cancer and help people reduce their pain medication. Rose hips also have been known to boost the immune system to prevent illness. Some people make a poultice out of rose hips to heal wounds.

Rose hips can be used for culinary purposes as well as medicinal ones. They can be use dried or fresh or they can be preserved. They can be used in apple sauce, syrups, marmalade and pie. They can be made into jam or jelly and spread on bread. Some people use them to make rose hip wine. One must be careful when using rose hips to remove the hairs that are inside the fruit.

Side Effects

Rose hips can cause nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, heart burn, stomach cramps, and inability to sleep. They are likely safe in food amounts for adults and pregnant or nursing women. Rose hips interact with lithium and warfarin (coumaden). Everyone should check with their health care provider before starting any herbal regimin. 

Perhaps the best known way of taking rose hips is as an herbal tea. Here is the recipe:

2 Tablespoons of berries for every 1 pint of wter.
Boil the crushed or dried hips for 10 minutes
Hibiscus or mint can be added, what ever suits your taste buds.
Sweetener if your taste buds desire it.
Drink and enjoy!

Check out my web page at  www.valerielull.com and learn about my book, Ten Healthy Teas. Your comments are always welcome.

Valerie Lull
Author, Ten Healthy Teas
Lullval@hotmail.com