Rose hips are derived from a variety of roses and generally are used as a vitamin C supplement. They have been used to alleviate gastric inflammation, reduce thirst and in a variety of medicinal purposes. There is no clinical recommendation regarding dosage, but typical use of rose petals is between 3 g and 6 g daily, according to the Drugs.com website.
Cultivation
The rose bush is a perennial, native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. After a rose bush flowers, seeded ripe ovaries called hips form on the branches. The fleshy, shrunken oval hip contains three or more small yellow brown seeds. These hips are usually harvested in autumn.
History
Rose hips were first used as a treatment for chest ailments in the Middle Ages. Rose hips have been used to flavor teas and jams, and as a vitamin C supplement in soups. Children were given rose hip syrup, and the fruit has been used as a diuretic and a mild laxative.
Chemical Composition
In addition to being a rich source of vitamin C, rose hips also provide vitamins A, B-1, B-2, B-3, and K. Rose hips are also a source of pectins, tannins, flavonoids, and malic and citric acids.
Oil Extract
The natural oil extracted from rose hips is, according to Chilean researchers, a natural treatment to ease dry skin itching caused by eczema. Rose hip oil is also useful in the treatment of burns, scars and dermatitis caused by radiation therapy. It has also been proved effective in treating the signs of premature aging in the skin.
Warnings
People with a history of allergic reactions to ascorbic acid should avoid using rose hips. A doctor or pharmacist should by consulted by anyone suffering from kidney or liver disease, or G6PD, an enzyme deficiency. While no detrimental affects from ascorbic acid have been found on unborn children, a doctor should be consulted before taking rose hips if you are pregnant or nursing.
Drug Interactions
Your doctor should be notified if you are taking aspirin or acetaminophen, antacids, antibiotics, barbiturates, birth control pills, or are using the nicotine patch.
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