Rose hips (Rosa canina / Rosa rubiginosa)

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Other names for rose hips

Rosehip
Rose Haw
Dog Rose Fruit
Cherokee Rosehip
Rose Hip

Synopsis of rose hips

Rose hips are the fruiting bodies of the rose plant, most commonly harvested from Rosa canina (dog rose), Rosa rugosa, or other wild rose species. After the rose petals fall, the plant forms these bright red or orange oval-shaped fruits, which are rich in vitamin C, flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols. In herbal medicine, rose hips are prized for their immune-supportive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-healing properties.

Rose hips are one of the most concentrated natural sources of vitamin C, sometimes containing up to 50% more than citrus fruits. They also contain vitamin E, vitamin A (as beta-carotene), B-complex vitamins, pectin, malic and citric acid, and essential fatty acids (in the seeds). This makes them especially valuable for immune health, skin repair, wound healing, and collagen synthesis.

Medicinally, rose hips are used to:

  • Boost immune function, especially during cold and flu season
  • Reduce joint inflammation, particularly in osteoarthritis
  • Support skin elasticity and healing
  • Protect against oxidative stress and free radical damage
  • Soothe digestive inflammation due to their mucilaginous and astringent properties

In modern herbal and integrative medicine, rose hip extract has also been studied for its potential to alleviate joint pain, with several studies suggesting its anti-inflammatory compounds may inhibit COX enzymes and reduce reliance on NSAIDs in people with arthritis.

Rose hips are typically consumed as teas, powders, syrups, capsules, or infused oils, and are often combined with other herbs for immune or skin health blends.

Historical Usage in Medicine
Rose hips have a long history of use in European, Native American, and traditional Persian medicine. In medieval Europe, they were used as a general nutritional and convalescent tonic, often made into jams, syrups, or decoctions for people recovering from illness, especially during the winter months when fresh fruits were scarce.

During World War II, when citrus imports to Britain were disrupted, the British government encouraged citizens to gather wild rose hips to make vitamin C-rich syrups for children and families, helping prevent scurvy and support immune function. This wartime campaign significantly raised public awareness of rose hips as a medicinal food.

In Traditional Persian medicine, rose hips were used to cool the body, treat urinary tract disorders, and improve digestion. They were also a part of compound formulas used for heart health and skin beautification.

Native American tribes valued rose hips as a winter survival food and medicine, using them for sore throats, colds, and nourishment. The seeds were sometimes ground and added to food, though they must be processed carefully, as they contain tiny hairs that can be irritating if not removed.

In modern natural skincare, rose hip seed oil (pressed from the seeds within the fruit) is used externally to moisturize, fade scars, and support skin regeneration, thanks to its rich content of linoleic acid, retinoic acid, and antioxidants.

Rose hips is used for these health conditions

Arthritis (Scientific)
Cholesterol (high) (Scientific)
Circulation (poor) (Traditional)
Colds (general) (Traditional)
Colds (prevention) (Traditional)
Inflammation (Scientific)
Rheumatoid Arthritis (Scientific)
Ulcers (Traditional)

rose hips is used to support these body systems

Arteries (Traditional)
Circulatory System (Traditional)
Digestive System (Traditional)
Gastrointestinal Tract (Traditional)
Gums (Traditional)
Immune System (Scientific)
Joints (Scientific)
Respiratory System (Traditional)
Skin (Scientific)