Wild rosehip: medicinal properties, contraindications, recipes

Find out why you should include rosehip in your diet.

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Wild rosehip: medicinal properties, contraindications, recipes
19 August, 2024
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You may encounter it on a walk in the park or in a neighbour's garden. Its slightly oblong red fruits decorate the autumn landscape. However, the wild rose is much more than just an ornamental.

Maybe it is not as "costumed" as its florist friend, but it has a much richer interior. It is a real bomb of vitamin C and other antioxidants. And scientists are finally starting to take an interest in what our grandmothers knew long ago.

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From this article you will learn:

  • What nutrients you will find in rosehips.
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  • What you can use it for.
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  • What research says about the properties of this plant.
  • What form is best for it?
  • In which form it is best consumed.
  • What is the best way to use it?

See also:

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Wild rose - fruits, flowers and leaves full of health

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Wild rose, chinaberry - these are other names for wild rose (Latin  Rosa canina). This shrub grows up to 3.5 metres tall, includes more than 100 varieties and is found in Europe, Asia, North America and even some areas of Africaand.

Wild rose - depending on the variety - has white or pink flowers and small red fruits. In the folk medicine of many cultures it has been an important remedy and part of diet .

Wild rose - medicinal properties

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Wild rose owes its health-promoting properties to its vitamin content and a number of other substances that are beneficial to the body. Their highest concentration can be found in the fruit.

Wild rose is a source ofand:

This true wealth of nutritional compounds makes rosehip a potent antioxidant, which may be helpful in the fight against oxidative stress. Additionally, it has been attributed with anti-inflammatory and even anti-mutagenic propertiesand.

It is not only fruits and flowers that can provide us with valuable compounds. A 2022 study shows that the leaves and stems of this plant can also be a great source of polyphenols and flavonoids (especially flavone glycosides) .

Wild rose under the microscope

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Scientists could not remain indifferent to the charms of the wild rose. Here are some interesting studies on this plant:

 

In traditional Turkish medicine, wild rose is used as a natural remedy for diabetes. Researchers therefore decided to test its hypoglycaemic properties on rats. The rodents were given rosehip extractand.

for seven days.

The results confirmed the anti-diabetic properties of the plant, but don't treat diabetes with red fruit -remind, this study was conducted on rats. It's safer if you strictly follow the advice of your diabetologist.

A review of 2016 studies also seems to confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip. However, it should be mentioned that the papers included in the review were in vitro studies and did not always use human cells - some of them were conducted on miceand.

In 2020, two Polish female scientists decided to look at ... rosehip tinctures. So, for research purposes, they prepared eight tinctures, differing in the technique of processing the raw material, i.e. how the fruit was prepared whether it was dried, frozen, fresh, etc.

They found out that the tinctures were made of wild rosehips.

It turned out that the tincture prepared from fresh fruit, devoid of seedsand had the highest content of valuable compounds for health. I think I'll play scientist too...

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Wild rose for joints

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Rats, in vitro and promising results. All nice, but where are the specifics and the studies involving humans? Although wild rose has been known in folk medicine for more than 2,000 years, scientists have only recently become interested in studying and proving its effects on the human bodyand.

One of the best proven is the effect of rosehip on joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis and chronic pain of, one might say, orthopaedic origin.

Between 2006 and 2008, researchers conducted a number of tests with patients suffering from the above-mentioned conditions. These trials confirmed both the anti-inflammatory properties of rosehip and the reduction in pain experienced by patientsand.

Wild rose vs vitamin C

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Wild rose has the most vitamin C of any edible plant. According to research, the amount of this vitamin in 100 grams of fruit reaches up to 965 mgand. This makes rosehip extract an excellent natural source of vitamin C in the best dietary supplements and cosmetics.

In addition, you also get a whole extra wealth of flavonoids, carotenoids, phenols and other vitamins.

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See the best supplements and cosmetics with rosehip:

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What wild rose helps

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Scientific research is one thing, another is the traditional use of rosehip. Because the plant contains nearly 1,000 mg of vitamin C per 100 grams, flavonoids and polyphenols, wild rose can help fight infections and seasonal immune decline, cardiovascular disease or chronic inflammation of the joints.

As you already know, rosehip is rich in vitamin C. This vitamin is essential for your body as it helps to strengthen the immune system, which is crucial, especially during flu season.

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Vitamin C can be very effective in combating or preventing anaemia. It is precisely because of its high vitamin C content, which helps us to absorb iron from a meal, that it is worth swapping the coffee or tea we drink with a meal for an infusion of rosehip.
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Julia Skrajda.

Julia SkrajdaDietitian

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Otherwise, rosehip is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Its fruit contains flavonoids, which help reduce inflammation in the bodyand.

What's more, rosehip also has the ability to support heart health. It is rich in polyphenols, which are well-known antioxidants. These substances help protect the heart from free radical damage, which can help prevent cardiovascular diseaseand.

Finally, rosehip is also beneficial for your skin. Thanks to its high vitamin C content, it can help with the natural production of collagen in your body, which is important for maintaining a healthy and firm complexion. In addition, the antioxidants present in rosehip can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sunand.

See also:

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How to consume rosehip

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Few people know that wild rose fruits can be eaten raw. You can successfully prolong their freshness by freezing them. However, they are much more popular in dried, powdered or preserved form. Interestingly, you can also make jam from rosehip flower petals. I personally recommend it for sweetening autumn and winter tea. Yummy!

Dried wild rose

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When it comes to how to consume it, dried rosehip is versatile. You can add it to tea, jams, cakes or muesli. This makes it easy to incorporate it into your daily diet.

Remember, however, to always choose rosehips from a reliable source. Avoid those that may have been exposed to pesticides, other harmful substances or those growing next to the street.

Rose rosehips are a good choice.

Rose rosehip tea

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Rosehip tea is first and foremost a tasty drink and an excellent alternative to traditional tea. Unfortunately, in order to brew it, it is necessary to pour hot water over the dried plant, which destroys most of the active substances.

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Vitamin C or flavonoids are already lost at 60-70°C, so not much will be left after pouring boiling waterand. Therefore, you could possibly add the rosehip to a warm tea and wait a few minutes for the liquid to 'draw' the flavour out of the fruit.

Similarly, this will be the case with all preparations made from rosehips and rosehip blossoms, for which cooking is necessary. Losses of vitamins and nutrients can be high, although this does not mean that the ingredients will be reduced to zero. The exceptions are cold-pressed rosehip juices and syrups.

Toxic seeds?

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While searching for information about rosehip, it is possible that you will come across information about poisonous seeds in its fruit. The literature states that some varieties Rosa canina contain small amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which convert to toxic hydrogen cyanide.

Despite this, I have not found in any scientific studies that these seeds could be dangerous to humansand. The potential content of harmful compounds is low enough to pose no risk when consumed in moderation.

Most recipes for rose preserves, however, recommend removing the seeds from the fruit, which benefits the taste and texture of the food.

Wild rose - contraindications

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Contraindications to taking rosehip include a tendency to excessive blood clotting - due to the presence of rugosin E in the plant. In addition, people with kidney stones, liver and gastrointestinal disorders should also be careful. Also, people taking certain medications and genetically predisposed excessive accumulation of iron in the body (high vitamin C content in rose hips enhances its absorption) may be contraindicated.

First and foremost, rose hips should be used by people who have a high blood clotting level.

First of all, rosehip contains a substance called rugosin E, which can affect the effects of certain drugs. It has also been attributed with properties that increase blood clotting. Therefore, people who have suffered heart attacks, strokes, pulmonary embolisms or deep vein thrombosis should not take it.

Also, wild rose hips contain a substance called rugosin E, which can affect the effects of certain medications.

Also, rosehip can cause allergic reactions in some people. Symptoms such as rash, itching, sneezing and even difficulty breathing may indicate an allergy to wild roseand. If you notice any of these symptoms after consuming rosehip, stop using it immediately and contact your doctor.

People with stomach conditions, such as gastric ulcers or ulcerative colitis, should also exercise caution. Wild rosehip has astringent properties, which can worsen the symptoms of these diseasesand.

Finally, rosehip is rich in vitamin C, which is usually beneficial, but can be a problem for people with certain conditions. For example, people with haemochromatosis, a condition characterised by excessive accumulation of iron in the body, should avoid consuming large amounts of rosehip, as vitamin C increases iron absorptionand.

Wild rose may also interact with some medications, so if you are taking any preparations, always consult your doctor.

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See also:

Wild rose - recipes

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Clinical nutritionist Julia Skrajda has prepared some healthy rosehip treats for you.

Autumn tea

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Ingredients:

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  • dried rosehip fruits and flowers,
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  • slice of fresh ginger,
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  • a teaspoon of honey,
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Preparation:

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Pour hot water over the dried rosehips, but not boiling water - ideally the water should take a while to cool to below 70°C. To achieve this temperature, wait about 9 minutes after boiling it. Brew the dry for about 10 minutes, then add the grated ginger and honey.

Rose syrup

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Ingredients:

  • 1-1.5 kg fresh rosehips,
  • .
  • 6 cups of water,
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  • 500 g sugar (can be substituted with erythrol).
  • .

Preparation:

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Harvest the rosehips and blitz them to a smooth paste. Transfer to a pot, add water and pour in sugar or erythrol. Heat, taking care not to bring to the boil, for about 30 minutes. After this time, the fruit should release its juice. Pass the syrup through a sieve to give it the right consistency and seal tightly in glass bottles or jars.

Rosehip jam

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Ingredients:

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  • 500 g rosehips,
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  • glass of water,
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  • glass of sugar or erythrol,
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  • optional: cinnamon to taste,
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Preparation:

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Heat the water with the sugar or erythritol in a pot, bring to the boil and wait for it to thicken. Add the pitted fruit and stir over a low heat for about 30 minutes. If you like, you can add cinnamon to the jam.

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Rosehip jam will not only taste good with pancakes, but is also suitable with meat such as roasts if you like sweet and savoury combinations.
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Julia Skrajda.

Julia SkrajdaDietitian

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Summary

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  • The wild rose is a shrub that grows in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa.
  • The fruit and flowers of the rosehip are edible - they are most commonly used to make teas, juices and jams.
  • Wild rose is a shrub that grows in Europe, North America and Africa.
  • Wild rose contains the highest amount of vitamin C of all vegetables and fruits.
  • Wild rose is the most nutritious fruit.
  • In addition, it is rich in other vitamins and nutrients such as flavonoids, phenols and carotenoids.
  • .
  • Thanks to these constituents, rosehip has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune system-supporting and heart-healthy properties.
  • Research suggests that rosehip may also lower sugar, as well as help with chronic pain caused by joint disease.
  • Wild rose should not be consumed by people who have suffered heart attacks, strokes and those suffering from deep vein thrombosis. Caution should also be exercised by people with stomach ailments.
  • Wild rosehips should not be consumed by people who have had a heart attack or stroke and those suffering from deep vein thrombosis.
  • The rosehips can be consumed raw, dried, powdered or as preparations.
  • .

FAQ

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. What does the wild rose look like? .

Wild rose has large, single flowers with five petals that can range from white to pink. It flowers from early summer to autumn. Its fruit is bright red and appears after flowering. The leaves are usually dark green. Wild rose is important to ecosystems as it provides food for many wildlife species and is a honey plant for bees.

. How to dry rosehips .

Pick the rosehips after the first frost - they are at their tastiest then. Rinse the fruit, remove all remnants of leaves and stems. Then slice them in half and hollow out the seeds.

Place the fruit on the counter.

Place the fruits on baking paper and set them in a warm, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight. You can also use a fruit dryer, setting the temperature to around 50°C.

Dry the fruit.

Drying rosehips can take anywhere from a few days to a week, depending on the conditions. Check regularly to see if the fruit is already dry - it should be firm and turn a dark maroon colour.

Dry the fruit regularly.

Store dried fruit in a tightly sealed container in a dark and cool place. They are rich in vitamin C and can be used to make drinks or be a healthy addition to many dishes.

. What to use rosehips for .

Use rosehip to boost the immune system, as it is rich in vitamin C. Also use it to improve the condition of your skin. The antioxidants contained in it help fight free radicals. Furthermore, the fibre in rosehips supports proper digestion and intestinal function.

. Are rosehips edible? .

Yes, rosehips are edible. They contain a high amount vitamin C, are rich in antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties. You can add dried fruit to oatmeal or muesli.

From fresh you can make jam, tea or syrup, but bear in mind that cooking destroys most of the nutrients, including vitamin C. Remember to remove the seeds before eating, as they are covered with tiny hairs that can irritate the digestive system.

. What is chinaberry? .

Chinchilla is another term for rosehip, a shrub with white or pink flowers and distinctive, slightly oblong red fruit.

. What is made from rosehips? .

The rosehips are most commonly used to make preserves, juices and syrups. They can also be dried and brewed as a tea or added to meals as an excellent source of vitamin C and other valuable ingredients.

. Who can't drink rosehip juice? .

Drinking rosehip juice is discouraged for people who have problems with excessive blood clotting or have had a heart attack or stroke. Rosehip may also be inadvisable if you are taking certain medications and if you have a disease of the digestive system. If you have any doubts about the safety of using rosehip, seek medical advice.

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Sources

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Carr, A. C., & Maggini, S. (2017). Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients9(11), Article 11. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9111211

Chrubasik, C., Duke, R. K., & Chrubasik, S. (2006). The evidence for clinical efficacy of rose hip and seed: A systematic review. Phytotherapy Research20(1), 1-3. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1729

Chrubasik, C., Roufogalis, B. D., Müller-Ladner, U., & Chrubasik, S. (2008). A systematic review on the Rosa canina effect and efficacy profiles. Phytotherapy Research22(6), 725-733. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2400

Chrubasik, C., Wiesner, L., Black, A., Müller-Ladner, U., & Chrubasik, S. (2008). A one-year survey on the use of a powder from Rosa canina lito in acute exacerbations of chronic pain. Phytotherapy Research22(9), 1141-1148. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.2352

Fattahi, A., Niyazi, F., Shahbazi, B., Farzaei, M. H., & Bahrami, G. (2017). Antidiabetic Mechanisms of Rosa canina Fruits: An In Vitro Evaluation. Journal of Evidence-Based Complementary & Alternative Medicine22(1), 127-133. https://doi.org/10.1177/2156587216655263

Hemilä, H. (2017). Vitamin C and Infections. Nutrients9(4), 339. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu9040339

Igual, M., García-Herrera, P., Cámara, R. M., Martínez-Monzó, J., García-Segovia, P., & Cámara, M. (2022). Bioactive Compounds in Rosehip (Rosa canina) Powder with Encapsulating Agents. Molecules27(15), Article 15. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27154737

Kayahan, S., Ozdemir, Y., & Gulbag, F. (2023). Functional Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Rosa Species Grown In Turkey. Erwerbs-Obstbau65(4), 1079-1086. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10341-022-00688-5

Kubczak, M., Khassenova, A. B., Skalski, B., Michlewska, S., Wielanek, M., Aralbayeva, A. N., Murzakhmetova, M. K., Zamaraeva, M., Skłodowska, M., Bryszewska, M., & Ionov, M. (2020). Bioactive Compounds and Antiradical Activity of the Rosa canina L. Leaf and Twig Extracts. Agronomy10(12), Article 12. https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10121897

Nagatomo, A., Oguri, M., Nishida, N., Ogawa, M., Ichikawa, A., & Tanaka-Azuma, Y. (2018). Evaluation of genotoxicity and subchronic toxicity of standardized rose hip extract. Human & Experimental Toxicology37(7), 725-741. https://doi.org/10.1177/0960327117730881

Office of Dietary Supplements-Vitamin C. (n.d.). Retrieved 17 March 2023, from https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/

Orhan, N., Aslan, M., Hosbas, S., & Deliorman, O. (2009). Antidiabetic Effect and Antioxidant Potential of Rosa canina Fruits. Pharmacognosy Magazine5(20), 309-315. https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.58151

Roman, I., Stănilă, A., & Stănilă, S. (2013). Bioactive compounds and antioxidant activity of Rosa canina L.biotypes from spontaneous flora of Transylvania. Chemistry Central Journal7(1), 73. https://doi.org/10.1186/1752-153X-7-73

Tabaszewska, M., & Najgebauer-Lejko, D. (2020). The content of selected phytochemicals and in vitro antioxidant properties of rose hip (Rosa canina L.) tinctures. NFS Journal21, 50-56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nfs.2020.09.003

Vitamin C. (2006). In Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed®). National Institute of Child Health and Human Development. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK544628/

Winther, K., Hansen, A. S. V., & Campbell-Tofte, J. (2016). Bioactive ingredients of rose hips (<em>Rosa canina</em> L) with special reference to antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties: In vitro studies. Botanics: Targets and Therapy6, 11-23. https://doi.org/10.2147/BTAT.S91385

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Meet the team
Emilia Moskal - Tekst

Natu.Care Editor

Emilia Moskal

Emilia Moskal specialises in medical and psychological texts, including content for medical entities. She is a fan of simple language and reader-friendly communication. At Natu.Care, she writes educational articles.

Julia Skrajda - Recenzja

Clinical nutritionist

Julia Skrajda
Verified by an expert

A clinical nutritionist, she works in the profession and creates personalised menus and recommendations for disease entities.

Bart Turczynski - Redakcja

Editor-in-Chief

Bart Turczynski

Bart Turczynski is the editor-in-chief of Natu.Care. He is responsible for the quality of the content created on Natu.Care, among others, and ensures that all articles are based on sound scientific research and consulted with industry specialists.

Ludwik Jelonek - Fact-checking

Natu.Care Editor

Ludwik Jelonek

Ludwik Jelonek is the author of more than 2,500 texts published on leading portals. His content has found its way into services such as Ostrovit and Kobieta Onet. At Natu.Care, Ludwik educates people in the most important area of life - health.

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