Rosehip: Applications, Treatments, Health Benefits

Rose hips (often called rose apples) are the fleshy, usually red fruits of various (wild) rose species.

Occurrence and cultivation of rosehip.

Rose hips have a very high vitamin C content, but also contain various B vitamins and vitamin A. Depending on the region and linguistic usage, however, many other terms can be used for the rosehip, of which “rose apple” is probably the most accurate description in terms of the nature of the plant. The most common, however, is rosehip, which is sometimes also used for certain rose species that produce rose hips. Rose hips are found wild and cultivated in Europe, Asia, North Africa, and South America, but their tradition of use is clearly European in origin. Rose hips are grown by various rose species, such as the dog rose or the mountain rose, and often hang on the bush throughout the year as soon as they are ripe, as their woody skins make them very resistant.

Effect and use

The rosehip is used primarily as a food, although regular use in Germany is often little consciously carried out or has become uncommon. After removal of the small nutlets inside, the rosehip can be consumed without further ado, although the fruits can taste differently sweet or sour depending on their ripeness, and are differently hard. Rose hips have a very high vitamin C content, but also contain various B vitamins and vitamin A. They often form the basis of fruit tea blends, but are also made into jam or mush. This less practical medicinal use of rosehip can contribute to a balanced diet and thus prevent disease. Rosehip tea is also said to stimulate blood formation and is a proven remedy for colds.

Importance for health

The use of rosehip in medicine and pharmacy, as well as homeopathy, is versatile. Infusions of rosehip peels are used for bladder problems or kidney complaints as well as for colds. The high vitamin C content of the fruit, both in the infusion and in the foods made from rosehip, provides relief from joint pain in addition to a healthy vitamin C balance, which is what naturopathy in particular advertises and works with. However, also in a “normal” medical treatment of joint diseases, such as osteoarthritis, rosehip products are used as a supportive alternative to chemical medications that relieve pain and support the tissues. Rosehip powder is also used as an alternative pain reliever, the effectiveness of which has been shown in various trials with individuals. This has at least greatly reduced the use of pharmaceutical painkillers. In addition, the seeds of the rosehip are not only used by children in schoolyards to make common itching powder, but can also be used productively: Their high fat content allows oil to be extracted from them, which can be used for skin care and can help against irritation and stressed skin. In addition, it also produces a cosmetic effect that makes the skin appear younger and healthier. Rosehip oil is therefore also excellent as a massage oil. Home applications and pharmacies use rose hips furthermore against various complaints in the circulation and the respiratory tract, so for example against bronchitis. But also as a mild diuretic and laxative tea and infusions of rosehip can be used, as an anti-inflammatory medicine for wounds and inflammations as well. Another advantage is the wide availability and distribution of rosehip, which makes it easy to harvest and process the fruit without having to buy ready-made oils or medicines first. Thus, rosehip can also be used as an alternative to artificial medicines for minor ailments, but is most effective as a supportive medicinal plant.