A Rose Hip is the fruit of a Rose. Also known as Rose Haw or Rose Hep. The Wild Dog Rose (Rosa canina) is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. This plant grows up to ten feet tall and bears a white, very fragrant flower. Once the flower has bloomed, and all the petals have fallen off, the hip is picked and used in a wide variety of preparations.

What Are Rose Hips?

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose plant, typically red to orange in color, and they develop after the flowers have been pollinated. Rose hips are prized for their high vitamin C content.

Active Ingredients in Rose Hips

Rose hips contain a variety of nutrients, including; vitamin C, vitamin A, vitamin E, flavonoids, carotenoids and essential fatty acids. They are known for their antioxidant properties and have been used traditionally in herbal medicine to support immune health, promote skin health, reduce inflammation, and alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.

Rose Hips as a Source of Vitamin C

Rose Hips are the best source of vitamin C; they contain 50% more Vitamin C than oranges. A single tablespoon of the pulp gives an adult more than the recommended daily allowance of 60 mg. They can be eaten raw, after being put through a blender, or soaked in water overnight and then cooked in the water for about half an hour.

Because of the high vitamin C content, they are an excellent immune system booster and are often used as a supplement to prevent or treat a cold.

Health Benefits of Rose Hips

Rose Hips have been used since the Stone Age. Today we are finding out, and proving, that the benefits of this flower fruit are indeed valid. Don’t only take the time to stop and smell the roses, take a bit more time to eat the fruit too.

Below we will explore the health benefits of Rose Hips in more detail:

Rose Hips as a Diuretic and Laxative

The fruit acids and pectin in Rose Hip tea is a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve, and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation. To make the tea, simply pour a cup boiling water over a tablespoon of crushed, dried hips and let steep. After straining out any pieces of the hips, you can add honey and drink.

Rose Hips to Treat Skin Ailments

The astringent qualities of Rose Hip oil makes it a valuable addition in cosmetic preparations. It has the ability to help regenerate new skin cells. This can be used to treat scars, acne and burns. While it is an astringent, it does not dry out the skin; actually it helps to rehydrate it, keeping the moisture in.

Drinking Rose Hip tea daily will also benefit your skin. Rose Hips have a high Vitamin A content. Vitamin A is commonly referred to as the “skin vitamin”. It helps to regenerate skin cells, healing wounds and scars. It also helps to keep the skin elastic and nourished. This will not only prevent wrinkles, but can actually help to minimise any that have already appeared.

Rose Hips Help the Immune System

As well as the very high Vitamin C content mentioned above, the vitamin A content is also beneficial to the immune system. It can help to prevent infections from both bacteria and viruses, and it helps the immune system fight off any infections that do occur.

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Rose Hips

Many complementary medicine physicians use rose hips to treat injuries and inflammations. Research in Denmark and Germany used a rose hip remedy. The results showed that the remedy was actually very beneficial in treating rheumatoid arthritis.

The group taking the remedy had an improvement in their mobility by 20 to 25%. They experienced less pain and a general overall improvement in mood and the way they felt. The studies showed significant improvement in individuals suffering from osteoarthritis as well, proving the anti-inflammatory properties.

Antioxidants in Rose Hips to Fight Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease

Because they contain a variety of antioxidants; carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, leucoanthocyanins and catechins, Rose Hips are considered to be a great cancer preventative. These same antioxidants are also used to prevent against cardiovascular disease.

Cultivation of Rose Hips

If you decide to harvest your own Rose Hips, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure you do not use any herbicides or pesticides on the plant. Although you may be tempted to prune off old flowers, you have to let them die and the petals fall naturally to get the hips. This means you may not have flowers around for as long as you could as the presence of hips blocks the production of more flowers on your rose bush.

You can store Rose Hips in the freezer fresh, dried or made into jelly. When storing them, be sure to not use a metal container as fruit acids and metal do not mix well.

How to Take Rose Hips

Rose hips can be consumed fresh, dried or processed into various products, including; teas, herbal extracts, dietary supplements, powders, jams, jellies and syrups. They are often used in culinary dishes, and in combination with other herbs and botanicals to create flavorful and healthful beverages and supplements. The pulp from Rose Hips may be used in sauces or made into jelly/jam.

Always take care when taking herbs and Read Our Disclaimer.

Rose Hips Notes / Side Effects

Rose hips are generally considered safe for most people when consumed in moderate amounts as part of a balanced diet. However, it’s essential to be mindful of potential side effects and interactions, especially if you have specific health concerns or conditions.

Below are a few considerations and potential side effects to be aware of:

Allergic Reactions: Some individuals may have allergic reactions to rose hips or other parts of the rose plant. Allergic responses can range from mild symptoms such as itching, rash, or hives to more severe reactions such as difficulty breathing or anaphylaxis. If you have a known allergy to roses or other plants in the Rosaceae family, you may be at higher risk of allergic reactions to rose hips.

Digestive Issues: In some cases, consuming large amounts of rose hips or concentrated rose hip products may cause digestive discomfort such as bloating, gas, or diarrhea, especially in sensitive individuals or those with pre-existing digestive conditions. It’s advisable to start with small amounts of rose hips and monitor your body’s response, especially if you have a history of gastrointestinal issues.

Interactions with Medications: Rose hips contain compounds that may interact with certain medications. For example, rose hips are rich in vitamin C, which can enhance the absorption of iron from plant-based sources (non-heme iron) and may interact with medications such as iron supplements or certain antibiotics. Additionally, rose hips may have blood-thinning properties due to their vitamin C and flavonoid content, potentially interacting with anticoagulant medications or increasing the risk of bleeding.

Pesticide Residues: If harvested from wild or commercially grown rose bushes, rose hips may contain pesticide residues if the plants have been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. To minimize exposure to pesticide residues, it’s advisable to choose organic or sustainably harvested rose hips whenever possible.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While rose hips are generally considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, there is limited research on their safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating rose hips into your diet, especially if you have any concerns or underlying health conditions.