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As the vibrant colors of fall emerge, it’s officially rose hip season. Bursting with nutrients and vitamin C, these sweet red buds are at their best when harvested late in the fall, just after the first frost, which should be any day now. I’ve been watching the bushes on our property, eagerly awaiting the day.
While many of you may know them as a tea ingredient, their medicinal value extends far beyond. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the fascinating world of rose hips!
What are Rose Hips?
Rose hips (Rosa canina) are members of the Rosaceae or Rose family. Also known as Rosehip, Rose Haw, or Rose Hep, Dog Rose, Dog Brier, Brier Rose, and
Apothecary Rose. They are the accessory fruit of various species of rose. They typically range in color from orange to red, but some species can also be found in dark purple to black.
Harvesting and Storing Rose Hips
While you can harvest rosehips as soon as they are fully red, they reach maximum potency and sweetness immediately following the first freeze. When deciding which hips to harvest, look for the ones that are the largest and brightest, with no visible damage or rot. Use garden sheers to clip the rosehips off the stems or gently bend them off at the stem by hand. Remember to forage sustainably; rosehips are a common winter food for birds, squirrels, rabbits, and bears.
To store rose hips, you will first need to dry them. Once cleaned, slice the rosehips in half and scoop out the tiny seeds and hairs. Rinse again to ensure the fine hairs are completely removed. (The fine hair can cause severe stomach issues.) Pat them dry, then lay them out on paper or a screen in a single layer. They may also be dried in a dehydrator or an oven on the lowest setting. Once thoroughly dried, you can store rosehips in an airtight container for 9-12 months or until they begin to lose color.
History and Folklore of Rose Hips
Roses and their bright red fruit have coursed a long and fascinating path through human history, beginning in prehistoric times. Remains of rosehips have been found in human settlements dating back to the Stone Age as well as in Mayan and Egyptian sites. The ancient Chinese, Greeks, Persians, and Romans were all said to have used rose hips in their traditional herbal medicinal practices.
The earliest known record of rosehips (referred to as the “dog rose”) occurs in the writings of Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder (23-79 CE), where he told the story of a woman who received a message in a dream telling her to send her son, a soldier, a decoction of wild (dog) rose root to cure the bite of a mad dog. Its scientific Latin name, Rosa canina (Dog Rose), is thought to have derived from the Romans’ belief that rosehips could cure rabies caused by rabid dog bites.
According to legend, during the Dark Ages, Vikings ate rose hips to fortify themselves before battle when invading foreign lands.
In the 17th century, botanist, herbalist, and physician Nicholas Culpeper wrote in his book The English Physitian (later titled The Complete Herbal) that “ripe hips made into a conserve (similar to an electuary) would ‘gently bind the belly, and stay the flow of humours, or body fluids from the head upon the stomach, drying up the moisture thereof, and promoting digestion.”
When citrus fruits were scarce in Europe during World War II, rose hips became a staple source of vitamin C. The Ministry of Health even organized a campaign to pay citizens to wild forage rose hips to be made into a syrup that was then used as a nutrition supplement. You can read the details of the Rose Hip Campaign here.
In Old Icelandic mythology, rose hips were believed to symbolize "waiting for your true love" because they take 100 days to reach full maturity. Other folklore associates rosehips with love and romance and the bulging seed-filled hip is also thought to be a lucky token for fertility and wealth.
Constituents of Rosehips
Wild rosehips contain the flavonoids quercetin, rutin, hesperidin, and kaempferol, as well as essential fatty acids, linoleic and α-linolenic, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Rosehips are high in vitamins C, E, and B vitamins (riboflavin, niacin). They contain beta-carotene and lutein as well as phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and zinc. Rosehips also have polyphenols, which contribute to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Herbal Actions of Rosehips
Adaptogen, Alterative, Anti-inflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antipyretic, Antirheumatic, Antispasmodic, Aphrodisiac, Astringent, Demulcent, Diuretic, Expectorant, Immunomodulant, Laxative, Nervine, and Uterine tonic.
Herbal Energies of Rosehips
Moist, Sweet, and Cooling.
Precautions, Contra-indications, and Interactions of Rosehips
Rosehips are generally considered safe. There are no known contra-indications or interactions, and they can be taken by children. Pregnant or Nursing women should consult a professional to determine the safe dosage during pregnancy.
Typical Usage of Rosehips
The humble hip is prized for its immune-boosting vitamin C content, as it is one of the most potent sources of vitamin C in any fruit or vegetable. In modern herbal medicine, rose hips are used to prevent and treat colds, chills, influenza-type infections, infectious diseases, and vitamin C deficiencies.
But its worth goes beyond vitamin C. It makes a powerful demulcent for coughs and sore throats, and its anti-inflammatory properties are sought after by those with rheumatic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Rose hips are also helpful for bowel disorders, gallstones, biliary complaints, colic, and disorders of the lower urinary tract. Other uses include aiding digestion, reducing edema, "strengthening the kidneys," and as a diuretic.
In skin care, rosehips and rosehip seed oil have anti-aging, collagen-boosting, and anti-inflammatory properties, making them a sought-after ingredient in high-end beauty. This is why they are the star of the show in our Anti-Aging Night Serum and our Anti-Aging Rosehip Mask.
Final Thoughts
Rose hips are one of my favorite fruits of fall. Whether enjoyed as a delicious tea, added to our skincare products, or used in tinctures, it is always a welcome addition. If you already use rose hips, what is your favorite way to use them? Tell us in the comments below, and we would love to see your recipes as well! Until next time,
Disclaimer:
Content from thisunboundlife.com is meant to be informational in nature. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice. Just because something is “natural” does not mean it’s safe for every person. Many plants should be avoided when pregnant or nursing; some can cause extreme interactions with prescription and over-the-counter medicine.
While we strive to be 100% accurate, utilizing information from scientific studies, trusted sources, and verified publications, we are not health professionals, medical doctors, or nutritionists. It is solely up to the reader to verify nutritional information and health benefits with qualified professionals for all edible plants listed on this website and to ensure proper plant identification.
The information provided by this site is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Before using herbal preparations, always research, speak to a professional regarding significant concerns, and never fail to seek medical advice when needed.