Herbs of the Field - Rosehips

Rosehips are known for their vitamin C content, but they also have great benefit for reducing chronic inflammation. Rosehips vitamin C content by weight is greater than that of an orange. However, since vitamin C is so delicate, it begins to wane quickly after picking and drying. Best way to use reships is fresh, but are still valuable when dried. Also, rosehips a re high in phytochemicals and other vitamins and minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, beta-carotene, quercetin, tocopherols, and lycopene. 129 chemical compounds have been isolated and identified in rose hips, such as flavonoids, tannins, anthocyanin, fatty oils, and more. These all add up to a rich source of phytonutrients which are great for your health.

Rosehips help with decreasing systemic and chronic inflammation, for heart health and arthritic pain. Powder from rosehips helps improve blood pressure reducing cardiovascular risks. Regular ingestion of reships decrease pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Overall, rosehips are shown to be analgesic, anti arthritic, anti-inflammatory, anti oxidative, and bone-preserving.

Identification:  Rosehips are shrubs that grown in dense thickets up to three meters in height. wild rose flowers have five petals and numerous stamens. Usually shade o pink or sometimes white. Leaves are deciduous, pinnately-compound with odd numbered leaflets, alternately arranged on the stem. When the flower slowly develops a green fruit (the rosehip), gradually turns yellow, orange and then red (ripe). The fruit are many seeds covered with tiny hairs and are not edible. Remove the seeds/hairs before consumption.

Harvesting:  Harvest in the fall. Freeze then cut open to remove the seeds.

Usage:  Dried whole. Use in cooking, infuse into honey and/or syrups. Steep dried reships in hot water for five minutes for a great tea. Or simmer to make a decoction. Can be made into a tincture, freeze dried into powder, or mash and steep fuse with an oil.

Cautions: Can increase risk for kidney stones, high doses may cause thromosis/blood clots.