Rosehips are the small, round seed pods that form directly beneath where the rose flower blooms. Once the petals fade and fall off, the rose bush knows that it is time to go to seed. Often roses are picked for their blooms before the flowers have a chance to develop the hips, but there are many gardeners and those interested in nutritional medicine that allow the hips to grow. Rosehips have numerous uses, from being the main ingredient in jam to easing skin problems associated with eczema.
Medicinal Uses
Rosehips are known to hold medicinal properties, and throughout history they have been used for their high vitamin C content. According to the University of Vermont Extension, rosehips were sought during World War II when there was a shortage of citrus fruit in Great Britain. One of the more modern medicinal uses for rosehips is the treatment of arthritis. A powder made from rosehip seeds and shells was given to subjects in a study, reported in the July-August 2005 issue of the "Scandinavian Journal Of Rheumatology." After only three weeks of taking the powder as a treatment, osteoarthritis pain symptoms in the study patients were significantly reduced, and the patients were able to cut down on other painkillers.
Nutritional Uses
Rose hips have been used for centuries in culinary dishes from jellies to teas. Rose hips are both tangy and fruity in flavor, and are commonly used to make a sweet tea. One of the major benefits of using rosehips in culinary dishes and drinks is its high concentration of vitamin C, which is even higher than the vitamin C found in citrus fruits, according to Dr. Winston Craig, Ph.D., on the Vegetarianism & Vegetarian Nutrition website. The best rosehips for eating are obtained from the Rosa rugosa species, as they tend to be sweeter to the taste. As a word of caution, never use rosehips that have been sprayed with pesticides in culinary dishes.
Cosmetic Uses
Rosehips are also used for the oil that they produce, and this oil is beneficial in skin care. Along with the high levels of vitamin C, which is an antioxidant vitamin, rosehips also contain vitamin A. The antioxidant power in both vitamins A and C help to delay the signs and effects of skin aging by promoting cellular regeneration, and the production of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of smooth, firm skin. Rosehip oil also contains vitamin E and other fats, which make excellent skin moisturizers. According to the rosehip oil profile at Mountain Rose Herbs, the oil is also used to treat stretch marks, sun-exposed skin, age spots, wrinkles, psoriasis and eczema.
