Rose Hips Remedy

Rose hips are derived from rose plants. After the rose blooms and the petals fall off, there is a small bulb-shaped protuberance at the top of the stem. This protuberance is the rose hip. Herbal teas, jams and jellies, bread, and pies are some of the drinks and foods rose hips are used in. They have been shown to be medicinally useful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, digestive disorders and many other ailments.

Supplement

• Take a rose hips supplement to relieve the pain of arthritis. Consult with your physician before adding a rose hips supplement to your diet. Purchase the supplement at a pharmacy, grocery store, or other store that sells vitamin and herbal supplements. Rose hips are an excellent natural source of vitamin C. Recent studies have shown that the protein GOPO(R) found naturally in rose hips helps relieve the pain and inflammation of rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis sufferers. "The results of these new studies suggest that the primary mechanism of action of rose hips is to reduce inflammation and protect joint tissue from damaging substances produced by an overactive immune system." says Dr. Kaj Winther of the Frederiksberg Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark.

Syrup

• Enjoy rose hip syrup on pancakes and waffles for a healthy breakfast or add to tea as a sweetener. Rose hips are an effective digestive aid and immune system booster. Gather the rose hips from the stems after the rose is finished blooming, the petals have dropped and the rose hip has fully developed and turned red. Remove the stem and parts of the flower that may still remain. Rinse the rose hips well to remove dirt and dust. Add 4 cups of rose hips to 2 cups of boiling water and simmer for 20 minutes or until half of the water has boiled off. Let it cool a little, then use a jelly bag to strain the mixture. Mix in 1 cup of honey. Use more or less honey to suit your taste. Store the mixture in the refrigerator.

Jam

• Make rose hip jam to enjoy on toast or muffins for a healthy sweet treat that helps flush out the kidneys and urinary tract. Add 2 lbs. of cleaned rose hips to 2 pt. of boiling water and simmer until tender. Rub the mixture through a colander to make a rose hip puree. Cook four cut and cored unpeeled apples in just enough water to cover them in the pan until they are tender. Rub the cooked apples through a colander for apple puree. Combine the rose hip and apple puree with 2 1/2 lbs. of sugar, and 1/3 cup of lemon juice. Boil the mixture for 15 minutes at a rolling boil, stirring every few minutes. Cool, divide into storage containers and store in the refrigerator.

Tea

• Add 2 heaping tsp. of cleaned diced rose hips to 1 cup of boiling water. Cover and allow it to steep for 15 minutes. Pour the mixture into a cup through a colander. Stir in some honey to sweeten. Take at night before bedtime to benefit from rose hips' gentle natural laxative effect.