Complementary Medicine: Rose Hips

Rose hips are the edible, fleshy fruit of the deciduous rose, which forms once the petals fall and the calyx ripens. They are used extensively in various end products and have nutritional, medicinal and cosmetic value. Rose hips are safe and not known to be associated with any serious side-effects.

Uses

• Rose hips have cosmetic, medicinal and culinary value. Their petals are cooked, eaten raw and used as garnish in salads. They are also brewed as tea and rose extract is used in popsicles and ice cubes. Rose hip leaves are dried and made into tea and also used raw in salads. Roots are chewed and brewed as tea.

Nutritional Value

• According to Linda Runyon in the book "The Essential Wild Food Survival Guide," rose hips are an excellent source of vitamin C. One ounce of rose hips (28 grams) contain 45 calories, 11 grams of carbohydrates, 7 grams of fiber and 1 gram of sugar. They are low in sodium but a rich source of vitamin K, vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, dietary fiber and manganese. Rose hips also contain minute amounts of choline, betaine, pantothenic acid, folate, phosphorus and potassium.

Medicinal Value

• Rose hips are known to help with coughs and colds. All parts, including its stem, petals and roots, are powdered and inhaled as snuff to provide immediate relief for sinuses. The bark of the fruit was boiled, mashed and applied to sores, wounds and boils to provide antiseptic and anti-inflammatory relief. According to Linda Runyon, rose oil, a rose hips extract, is applied externally to sooth headaches and also used as a healing ointment.

  According to Charlotte Erichsen-Brown in the book "Medicinal and Other Uses of North American Plants," rose hips are used to treat hemorrhages, diarrhea, nausea, dysentery, sore and inflamed eyes, lumbago, heartburn, indigestion and piles. A dilution of rose hips in water makes a valuable astringent gargle.

  According to Margaret Roberts in the book "Edible and Medicinal Flowers," rose hip tea was used in the Middle Ages to treat anxiety, depression and to aid circulation.

Aromatherapy

• Aromatherapy is an alternative medicine that uses essential plant oils to alter a persons cognitive function, mood and health. According to Margaret Roberts, rose oil is used extensively in aromatherapy. Touted as a natural healer, rose oil is used for various skin conditions and is particularly useful for sensitive and mature skins. It is known to have a positive psychological effect and calms depression, anger, grief and resentment. Rose oil is also used in aromatherapy to relieve nervous stress and tension.

Considerations

• Persons ingesting rose hip products must follow directions and exercise moderation. Mild complications are associated with rose hip overdose, such as stomach upset and other digestive problems. People who are allergic to roses may develop allergic symptoms or other reactions to rose hips.