Rose hips refers to the pomaceous fruit of the rose plant. Although it is usually red or red orange, it is dark purple or black in some species. It is abundant in late summer through autumn.

Contrary to the myth that they are poisonous, they have been proven effective as a treatment for many ailments.

Rosehip Benefits

Even in World War II, English men discovered that rosehips are a good source of vitamin C. During this time, German submarines were sinking many commercial ships. Thus, citrus fruits, which are a good source of vitamin C, were difficult to import from tropical islands and hence and got scarce.

People in Great Britain gathered roses to make vitamin C for children. Rosa carnival and Rosa majalis were the species used as a source of vitamin C.

In addition to vitamin C, rose petals and hips are also found to contain vitamins B, E and K, pectin, tannin, malic, carotene, citric acid, volatile oils, and proteins. The growing conditions, manner and time of harvest or the hips are dried and stored, affect their vitamin content.

Moreover, the rose hair or the hair inside the hips is used as treatment for itching. The hips are also known as effective treatment for colds and influenza.

When used regularly as food supplement, rosehips will help prevent you from catarrh, chest infections, and sore throats.

Daily intake of rose hip tea will help reestablish the good bacteria in the body. The tea is also known to have good effects on the nervous system.

Rose hip oil sometimes called mosqueta, has also become popular as alternative medicine for its aromatic properties. It has been used to treat common ailments through aromatherapy, which is recognized as a valid medical treatment in many countries.

Dried rosehips are also used as room freshener.

In addition to its high vitamin C content, the oil consists of 80% essential fatty acids. These fatty acids is thought to be effective in rejuvenating the skin and preventing signs of skin aging.

Moreover, rosehip seed oil helps heal scars and burn, treats dry skin and eczema. It is also a major component of some balm used to treat acne.

Just ensure that you don't take large doses of a rose hips supplement or tea. This could cause diarrhea and allergic reactions. When these are experienced, treatments should be stopped.

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