HERBS: ROSEHIPS

Posted in Herbal on March 30th, 2009

Rosa canina

Action: Tonic, astringent, laxative, diuretic.

Systems Affected: Liver, gall-bladder, intestines, kidneys, adrenal glands, circulation, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Fresh or dried rosehips, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

The Dog Rose is native to Europe and western Asia but has been introduced and naturalized elsewhere, often growing wild in rural areas. The name comes from the Rosa canina of the Middle Ages, after the supposed ability of the root to cure wolf and ‘mad dog’ bites (rabies). Rosehips have been used as a tart fruit since the earliest times and their diuretic and astringent properties were utilized by country folk and herbalists, but it was only during World War II that they became medicinally important as a source of vitamin C.

Rosehips contain vitamins Ñ, À, Â1, B2, E, K, nicotinic acid or niacin, vitamin P or rutin, iron and copper compounds, as well as organic acids, tannins and pectin. All of these make Rosehips a valuable vitamin supplement and tonic, useful in lethargy and general weakness and for recovery from illnesses such as cold and flu. (Rosehips seem to have a tonic effect on the blood and on liver, gall-bladder and adrenal function.)

Rosehips are used for their gentle astringent effect in treating bleeding gums and diarrhoea. A strong decoction of the hips (75 grams to 500 ml of water) is used for its diuretic effect in fluid retention and kidney complaints. The leaves may be used as a mild laxative or in poultices to aid wound healing.

The hips are normally gathered in autumn. They are split open to remove the hairy seeds and left to dry in a shady well-ventilated spot. They are widely used in jams and conserves.

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