ROSE HIPS (Rosa species)

DESCRIPTION: The rosehip is also referred to as the rose haw or rose hep and is the fruit of the rose plant. Typically located below the surface of the soil it is red-to-orange, but ranges from dark purple to black in some species. Rose hips form after successful pollination of flowers in spring or early summer, and ripen in late summer through autumn.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS: High concentration of Vitamin C in fresh rose hips which prevents and treats colds, flu Vitamin C deficiencies. Useful in the treatment of osteoarthritis reducing pain, stiffness and function. Also used in stomach disorders such stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, preventing stomach irritation and ulcers, and as a "stomach tonic" for intestinal diseases. They are also used for diarrhea, constipation, gallstones,gallbladder ailments, lower urinary tract and kidney disorders, fluid retention (dropsy or edema), gout, back and leg pain (sciatica), diabetes, high cholesterol, weight loss,high blood pressure, chest ailments, fever, increasing immune function during exhaustion, increasing blood flow in the limbs, increasing urine flow and quenching thirst.

POTENTIAL SIDE EFFECTS: Relatively safe when ingested by adults or applied topically. Rose hip can cause some side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, heartburn, stomach cramps, fatigue, headache, inability to sleep, and others. Inhaling rose hip dust can cause an allergic reaction in some people.

PARTS USED: Fruit and seeds

GENERAL USAGE: Anti-cancer, antidepressant, antiscorbutic, antispasmodic, aphrodisiac, aromatic, astringent, coagulant, cordial, depurative, emmenagogue, hepatic, laxative, nervine, refrigerant, sedative, skin tonic, and splenic.

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