The inner surface of the Rosa canina or brier hip fruit is covered by a layer of blonde, rigid hair, popularly called “itch-scratch),” that the great Font Quer said “incites itching when putting in-between the shirt and the skin. The same thing happens around the anus; after eating the rosa canina fruit, these hairs can go through the digestive tract untouched and leave the body.”
- Premium Rosehip Seedless Cut from 100% Nature
Rosa Canina Scientific Facts
- Scientific Name – Rosa canina L.
- Other Names – Wild brier, eglantine gall, brier hip, dog rose.
- French – Rosier des chiens.
- Spanish – Escaramujo, rosal Silvestre, cinorrodon.
- Environment – Common along roadsides and bushes all over Europe and naturalized in America.
- Description—Rosa canina is a shrub of the Rosaceae family that grows from one to three meters high and has prickly stems. The leaves are alternate and have 5 to 7 oval folioles and toothed edges. The flowers of Rosa canina have five whitish or pink petals. What is usually known as an olive-shaped and red fruit is a quasi-fruit formed by the remnants of the flower calyx.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally – The fruits, flowers, leaves, and roots.
Healing Properties
The FRUIT of rosa canina comprises a variety of organic acids and sugars, mineral salts, pectin, provitamin A (carotene), and vitamins B1, B2, C, E, and P (flavonoids). The plant’s content in vitamin C reaches 600 mg per 100 grams and can be up to 800 mg, more significant than that of lemon, which only comprises 50 mg. Therefore, Rosa canina is one of the most prosperous plants in vitamin C, rated over the kiwi (300 milligrams), alfalfa (183 milligrams), and currant (170 milligrams).
Rosa canina is only second to the exceptional Malpighia punicifolia L., Malpighia glabra L. (Acerola), a fruit that, when ripe, can provide 2500 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams and, when green, a jaw-dropping 6000 mg.
The properties of the Rosa canina FRUIT are the following:
- Invigorating and antiscorbutic – They are helpful for physical exhaustion, asthenia (spring fatigue), and recovery. The fruits are an actual concentrate of vitamins, mainly vitamin C. Although scurvy (deficiency in vitamin C) is uncommon in developed countries, a high-level supply of this vitamin has a stimulating effect.
- Immunostimulant – The fruit is mainly used as a defense stimulant to avoid the cold and flu. It is advised for all infectious diseases, particularly in children.
- Diuretic and depurative – They are recommended for edema (retention of liquids), an extreme diet rich in meat and its derivatives, arthritis, and gout, and whenever the action of a mild diuretic with depurative actions is needed.
The FRUIT of Rosa canina has been used, eating it whole, against taeniae and other intestinal parasites, though with no scientific basis. According to some, the fruits are effective because of the itching hairs, which intestinal parasites cannot survive.
The PETALS contain pectin, organic acids, tannin, and a tiny amount of essence. Rose petals serve as a component to make rose water, from which good results are obtained when washing eyes suffering from conjunctivitis or inflammation of the eyelids (blepharitis).
The ROOT and LEAVES contain astringent properties and tannic acids. They are used for simple gastroenteritis and diarrhea.
As previously believed, the SEEDS of Rosa canina are rigid and do not impact bladder stones, but when ground, they release a toxic essence that affects the nervous system.
- PROFESSIONAL GRADE: 100% Pure, Organic – Cold pressed, fresh and high quality, no additives or fillers.
- SKIN CARE: Apply to dry and cracked skin to nourish and rehydrate it. It’s especially effective on dry, elbows, knees cracked lips and heels.
How to use Brier Hip
- Fresh fruit is the best way to take advantage of the vitamin C content. Choose ripe fruit, open it, and wash it with water, withdrawing all hairs and seeds. Eat a generous handful every day.
- Make a fruit decoction with 50 to 60 grams of the fruit per liter of water. Drink 4 or 5 cups of rosa canina tea daily. Though vitamin C is lost, the diuretic, depurative, and mild astringent properties remain.
- Decoction of root and leaves, with 100 grams of root and leaves of brier hip in 1 ½ liter of water. Boil the liquid until it reduces to one liter. Drink several cups a day as an antidiarrheic.
- The water of roses: Steep in the cold and extract a handful of brier hip petals from a glass of water. After 24 hours, wring them out and throw away the petals. Wash the eyes with the resulting liquid.
Raw Brier Hip Marmalade
After cleaning the fruit, mash it into a cream and put in the same weight of sugar. They will keep all vitamins and will acquire a pleasant flavor. This marmalade or jelly can be well-preserved for several days in a fridge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the key bioactive compounds in Rosa canina, and how do they work?
Rosa canina (commonly known as rosehip) contains a complex mix of beneficial compounds:
Vitamin C: High concentrations are potent antioxidants, protecting cells from damage and aiding the immune system.
Carotenoids: These antioxidants work similarly to vitamin C and may benefit eye health.
Polyphenols (flavonoids and tannins): Reduce inflammation, promote heart health, and may have anti-cancer properties.
Galactolipids: Like rosehip, these compounds have powerful anti-inflammatory effects, particularly for joint health.
How does Rosa canina support joint health and arthritis management?
Research suggests Rosa canina offers significant help with osteoarthritis in multiple ways:
Galactolipids: Reduce inflammation and slow down cartilage breakdown.
Vitamin C: Vital in collagen synthesis, a key component of joint tissue.
Overall effect: Studies indicate reduced pain, improved mobility, and decreased dependence on conventional pain medication.
Does Rosa canina benefit cardiovascular health?
Evidence suggests a positive impact thanks to:
Polyphenols: Can improve blood flow, reduce blood pressure, and lower ‘bad’ cholesterol.
Antioxidants: Help counteract oxidative stress, a contributor to heart disease.
Is Rosa canina safe for long-term use?
Generally, yes. Rosehip is considered well-tolerated, with few side effects reported in studies. However, as with any supplement, consult your doctor, especially if you have current health conditions or are taking medications.
Can Rosa canina interact with medications?
Potential interactions exist, though more research is needed. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Blood thinners: Rosehip’s vitamin K content may interfere.
Lithium: Rosehip might impact how your body processes this medication.
Always check: Talk to your doctor before combining Rosa canina with any medication.
What is the best form of Rosa canina to take?
This depends on your goals:
Dried rosehips: Great for teas and infusions.
Powder: Can be added to food or made into capsules.
Standardized extracts: Offer consistent dosage of active compounds, particularly galactolipids, for joint health.
Are there proven benefits of topical Rosa canina application?
Rosehip oil, extracted from the seeds, demonstrates benefits for skin health:
Moisturizing: Fatty acids hydrate and prevent dryness.
Wound healing: Vitamin C boosts collagen for repair.
Anti-aging: Antioxidants combat sun damage and wrinkles.
Can Rosa canina improve immune function?
The high vitamin C content significantly boosts the immune system. Further, rosehip extracts may directly stimulate immune cell activity, potentially helping fight infections.
Are there any groups that should avoid Rosa canina?
Take precautions if you are:
Pregnant or breastfeeding: Safety is not fully established.
Prone to kidney stones: High vitamin C might increase risk.
Where can I find reliable information on high-quality Rosa canina products?
Reputable sources: Look for sites like NIH (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) and Examine.com (https://examine.com/).
Products: Choose those with standardized extract levels and from companies with transparent manufacturing practices.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. Do not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
References
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. Seven hundred sixty-two, seven hundred sixty-three, seven hundred sixty-four. Print.
- National Institutes of Health (NIH) – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3511180/
- Phytotherapy Research – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.1345
- PubMed: (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- Google Scholar: (https://scholar.google.com/
Last update on 2024-04-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API