Cultivation of roses may have begun in China, but today these flowers grow throughout much of the world. In autumn, after the flowers fade, roses produce red fruits known as hips. Syrups and jams are among the ways to use these sweet, tangy fruits, but rose hip teas and infusions are also popular. Rose hip tea cannot cure any health condition; talk to your health care provider before using this tea to treat any health problem.
Source of Antioxidants
Antioxidants help protect cells from damage. Rose hips are rich in antioxidants like vitamin C and antioxidant polyphenols like tannins and proanthocyanidins. Just three rose hips contain as much vitamin C as an orange, note experts from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. Vitamin C is also important for wound healing, healthy bones and the immune system's t-cells.
Kidney Stone Prevention
Limited evidence suggests that tea from rose hips may help prevent kidney stones. Rats drinking rose hip tea had reduced risk factors for developing kidney stones, in a study published in Planta Medica in December 1992. The tea didn't show any diuretic effect, though.
Relief from Arthritis
Because rose hips reduce inflammation, they're useful for relieving arthritis swelling and pain. Arthritis sufferers taking the rose hip preparation LitoZin gained more flexibility in the hip but not the knee, according to a study published in the June 2007 issue of MMW Fortschritte Der Medizin. Some 66 percent also reported less pain. Although studies haven't determined which compounds help, researchers suspect bioflavonoids, which are abundant in rose hip tea.
Adrenal Function Support
The adrenal glands are responsible for releasing hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which help you react to stressful situations. Rose hips may help support your adrenal and other glands when your body is under stress, suggests Kristin Henningsen of Kaplan University. Although no clinical evidence confirms this as of mid-2010, vitamin C does support the adrenal glands during times of stress.
References
- "Phytochemical Analysis"; Qualitative and Quantitative Determination of Hydrolysable Tannins and Other Polyphenols in Herbal Products from Meadowsweet and Dog Rose; Fecka I.; May 2009
- "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry"; Proanthocyanidins in Common Food Products of Plant Origin; Hellström JK, et al.; September 2009
- University of Alaska Fairbanks: Rose Hips: Fall Beauty
- "Medizinische für Monatsschrift Pharmazeuten"; Vitamin C and Immune Function; Ströhle A, Hahn A.; February 2009
- New York University: Rose Hips
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