Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is the fruit of the rose. Rose hips were called “the food of the gods” by the ancient Greeks and regarded as beneficial for a number of health reasons.

Rose hips are available as an oil and as a powder. The powder makes a healthy additional to a smoothie. Rose hip seed oil can be used on the skin and is found in some skin creams. The Rosa Canina species is commonly used as a source of rose hips.

Rose hips contain vitamins A, C, D and E, flavonoids and iron. Rose hips are particularly high in vitamin C, with about 200 mg per 10 g of dried rose hips, making it one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C.

Benefits of rose hips

Research shows that rose hips reduce pain and improve general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis.

Rose hip tea is thought to be a natural cold remedy that soothes coughs and flushes out toxins from the kidneys and urinary tract.

Rose hip seed oil is claimed to soften the skin, build collagen and reduce sun damage that causes fine lines and wrinkles.

Rose hips and spirulina

Mr Cabbage Head suggests this potent start to the day. Mix 10g of powdered spirulina and 10g of rose hip powder with water or soy milk. It doesn’t taste that good, but it is a powerful start to the day. This is a quick way to start the day if you are in a hurry. Have a piece of fruit afterwards to change your taste.

References:

Christensen R et al., Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients? – a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Osteoarthritis Cartilage 2008.

Kharazmi A., Rein E., Winther K. A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis–a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Phytomedicine: International Journal of Phytotherapy and Phytopharmacology. 2004