Rose hips are the red fruits that develop on the rose (Rosa canina) in autumn, as soon as the flowers drop off. The rose hip is actually the fruit of the rose and encloses the seeds, called achenes. Due to the rich amount of ascorbic acid present in it, the hip has zesty acidic and fruity taste. The plant itself is a shrub reaching up to 2 meters, with stout, hairy stems. The flowers are produced abundantly since June over the long period of time and vary in color from purple to white.

 

Rose hip is easily adapted to wide range of soil types and climatic conditions. Nevertheless, it favors sunny locations to produce juicy fruits.

 

 

Shelled or powdered fruit is used for the wide range of herbal preparations. Since fresh rose hips contain much more active chemicals than dried ones, it is much preferable to take the benefits from this by using fresh forms in various remedies.

 

 

Rose hips are used for making tea and liquors, it sometimes found in capsule or extracts form. The plant is often used as the compound of remedies for common cold, since it is the powerful source of vitamin C (60 times as much this vitamin as in oranges). Other forms include herbal tea, oil, jam, jelly and marmalade. Rose hip soup is popular in Sweden.

 

 

The major active compound of the plant is, of course, vitamin C. Dried product contains about 1700–2000 mg per 100 g, and it is the reason that rose hip is considered to be one of the richest sources of it. Vitamins A, D and E, fatty acids and antioxidant flavonoids are also presented in the herb in quite high amounts. Rose hips are also the source of iron, which is greatly beneficial for menstruating women. 

 

 

 

Antioxidant actions of flavonoids in rose hip help prevent and treat the effects of stress, aging and the environment. Powder made of the plant is an effective remedy for rheumatoid arthritis. Digestive problems, such as constipation and diarrhoea, are handled with rose hips when brewed into a concoction. Due to the diuretic properties, urinary bladder infections are successfully treated with the plant’s herbal preparations, too. Rose hip oil is used topically for variety of skin conditions: scars, eczema, burns, wrinkles and irritation. But the most potential action of rose hip is that related to the treatment of common cold and various related conditions. Vitamin C increases the body’s resistance to colds and removes inflammations out of the body, treats dizziness and headaches.