Allergic Reaction To Dried Rose Hips

Rose hips are the ripe ovaries or seed pods that form at the bases of rose blossoms after the petals have fallen away. Although not approved for treating any medical condition, rose hips have been used in a variety of ways, including flavoring for teas, jams and jellies, as a diuretic, as an anti-inflammatory and for relief of abdominal pain due to stomach irritation. Rose hips are a popular source of "natural" vitamin C, although the concentrations of this nutrient vary considerably among different preparations. As with any plant product, you could be allergic to rose hips.

The Plant is Often the Key

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, roses belong to a large family of plants, with over 1,500 species represented. Roses are related to many common plants, including mountain ash, lady's mantle, raspberries, blackberries, plums, cherries, peaches, apricots, hawthorn and cotoneaster. It would not be unusual to develop an allergy to at least one member of this large family, and this would increase your chances for becoming allergic to roses, as well. A 2002 report in "Allergy" demonstrated that rose allergy can be troublesome for people living in areas where roses are cultivated. Dried plant parts typically contain the same allergens as the parent plant, so consuming only dried rose hips would not necessarily protect you from exhibiting allergy symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms of Allergy

"The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy" outlines the symptoms you might experience as the result of an allergic reaction. Common signs and symptoms include itchy throat, sneezing, watery eyes or nasal congestion. If you are allergic to rose hips, you could develop gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain, after consuming them. A more serious reaction might include hives, wheezing, cough or difficulty breathing. Severe, anaphylactic reactions can be preceded by all of these symptoms, with rapid progression to unconsciousness and shock. At least one case of anaphylaxis due to rose pollen ingestion has been described.

Rose Hips Ingredients

According to the "Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry," rose hips contain a wide array of compounds, including antioxidants, sugars, proteins and fatty acids. Proteins, in particular, are a common source of allergic reactions. If you have previously used a specific product without having any problems, you might wonder if some new ingredient or contaminant could be the cause of your reaction. However, you can develop an allergy to any foreign protein even if you have been exposed to it multiple times in the past.

Considerations

Plants are classic causes of allergic reactions in humans. Dried preparations contain sufficient amounts of offending allergens to trigger a reaction in any person who has previously demonstrated an allergy to a particular plant. Even if you have been exposed to a plant or its products without exhibiting allergy symptoms, there is no guarantee that you won't develop an allergy to that plant in the future. If you think you might be allergic to a specific product, such as dried rose hips, you should avoid taking it. Any preparations from related species should be used with caution.