What Are Rose Hips Good For?

Rose hips are the fruit of the rose bush, containing small seeds known as achenes. After the rose blossom fades, the rose hip develops, forming a bulb that that turns from green to vivid red when ripe. While ornamental roses may also form rose hips, the Japanese rose, the wild briar rose and the dog rose are the most desirable for harvesting the rose hips, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine." Although rose hips may be healthy, the FDA does not oversee their cultivation and sale, so there is no guarantee of safety and effectiveness.

Historical Benefits

The round shape of the rose hip and its hard, smooth outer coating made the dried fruit popular in the construction of rosaries and beaded necklaces, according to the Gale encyclopedia. Rose hips provided a source of food for centuries for Europeans and Native American tribes. During World War II, rose hips from the dog rose fought scurvy among the troops, the Gale encyclopedia says. As a food source, rose hips were popular in soups and jams, according to Drugs.com.

Nutritional Benefits

Eating rose hips may be part of a healthy diet. According to Drugs.com, rose hips are a source of vitamin C. They also contain vitamin A, B vitamins, and vitamin K. Other rose hip nutrients include tannins, pectin, carotenoids and flavonoids. The amount and quality of these nutrients may vary, however, according to Drugs.com, from one commercial rose hip product to the next.

Medicinal Benefits

The large amount of vitamin C in rose hips makes it a natural choice as an antioxidant, according to the Gale encyclopedia. Rose hips are available from health food stores in tea form, as extracted oil in creams and lotions or as herbal tea. Taken as a tea, rose hips may act as a mild diuretic, reducing excess water weight. Additional potential benefits are pain relief from menstrual cramps, and fever reduction. Rose hip tea may also be beneficial in treating anxiety and fatigue.

Oil extracted from rose hips has emollient and soothing effects on the skin, according to the Gale encyclopedia. Containing linoleic acid and gammalinolenic acid, rose hip oil may ease dry skin and prevent premature aging.

Clinical studies confirming the medicinal benefits of rose hips are lacking, so contact a health-care practitioner before using this herbal remedy to treat any medical condition.