Rose Hips - Rosa Canina

Rose hips from Rosa canina or dog rose are the preferred hips for use in teas and tinctures. The plant is a climbing vine that may grow as a shrub if pruned correctly. Rosa canina hips have an excellent amount of nutrients, are large enough to make picking them worthwhile, and de-seeding them to be possible, if tedious.

Rose hips contain phenolic compounds: These include catechin, myricetin, quercetin, procyanidin-B2, and ellagic, gallic, chlorogenic, caffeic, p-coumaric, ferulic, and synaptic acids. They also contain the very useful flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, alkaloids, lignans and coumarins, and quinones.

They are particularly rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. They are known to be used to prevent scurvy, shorten colds and flu, and increase collagen synthesis. Rose hip oil is used to prevent scarring and help reduce fine lines associated with aging.

Rose hips contain galactolipids that may reduce arthritis pain. Rose hip powder has also been shown to reduce symptoms associated with rheumatoid inflammation. Rose hips contain tiliroside, an antioxidant that may have fat-burning properties and help to maintain a healthy weight.

Suggested dosing: Tincture 2-3 ml 2-3x day.

Tea: The hips can be used whole or crushed with a coffee grinder.

Possible side effects: Allergy

Contraindications: Speak to your doctor if you are taking blood thinners or you have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency, hemochromatosis, sickle cell disease, sideroblastic anemia, or thalassemia.

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.