Dog rose (rosa canina)
Synopsis of dog rose
Dog rose (Rosa canina) is a wild species of rose native to Europe, northwest Africa, and western Asia, recognized by its arching stems, pale pink flowers, and bright red rose hips—the fruiting bodies that appear after the petals fall. While the flowers and leaves have mild medicinal value, it is the rose hips that are most commonly used for their exceptionally high vitamin C content, along with flavonoids, carotenoids, tannins, pectins, and organic acids.
Dog rose is traditionally used to:
- Support the immune system, especially in preventing and recovering from colds, flu, and infections
- Promote tissue repair, thanks to its vitamin C–driven role in collagen formation
- Offer antioxidant protection, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation
- Soothe mild joint pain and arthritis, often used as an adjunct in anti-inflammatory therapies
- Improve circulation and capillary strength
- Aid in digestion due to its mild astringency and pectin content
Rose hips from dog rose are consumed as teas, syrups, capsules, powders, or incorporated into jams and preserves. They are considered safe, nutrient-dense, and gentle, suitable for all ages.
Historical Use
Dog rose has been a part of European herbal medicine for centuries, particularly as a source of natural vitamin C. During World War II, when citrus fruits were scarce in the UK, the British government organized the collection of wild rose hips to produce rose hip syrup for children and families to prevent scurvy and support immune health.
Long before that, dog rose was used in folk medicine and monastic herbalism. The Ancient Romans valued rose hips for digestive complaints and inflammation, and Hippocrates reportedly used various rose preparations to cool fevers and treat skin conditions.
In Traditional Austrian medicine, rose hips were used internally as teas or syrups to treat infections, urinary issues, and kidney disorders. In other European traditions, they were applied for mild laxative effects, anti-inflammatory support, and as tonics for convalescence.
The term “dog rose” possibly comes from an old belief that the plant could treat rabid dog bites, though no evidence supports this use.
Today, Rosa canina is still prized for its:
- High antioxidant value
- Role in immune health and recovery
- Use in arthritis and inflammatory joint conditions (especially in powdered, standardized extracts)
Its pleasant, tart flavor also makes it a favorite in functional foods, children’s supplements, and herbal teas.
Dog rose is used for these health conditions
Anemia (Traditional)
Appetite (deficient) (Traditional)
Bruises (healing) (Traditional)
Canker Sores (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Constipation (adults) (Traditional)
Cuts (Traditional)
Diarrhea (Traditional)
Digestion (poor) (Traditional)
Fever (Traditional)
Glands (swollen lymph) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Influenza (Traditional)
Injuries (Traditional)
Menopause (Traditional)
Pain (general remedies for) (Traditional)
Scurvy (Scientific)
Skin Care (general) (Traditional)
Sore Throat (Traditional)
Wounds and Sores (Traditional)
dog rose is used to support these body systems
Blood (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Joints (Traditional)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Traditional)
Urinary System (Traditional)
