Rosehip Hibiscus

[Pat Robinson]

From Mountain Rose Herbs:

Also known as

Rosa canina, Hip Berry, Rose Haws, Rose Heps, Wild Boar Fruit, Wild Rose and Dog Rose

Introduction

Rose hips develop on wild roses as the flowers drop off. The rose hip, also called the rose haw, is actually the fruit of the rose. They are one of the most concentrated sources of vitamin C available, which has led to rose hips being included in many common cold preventives and remedies. While the efficacy of vitamin C in preventing
the common cold has been questioned, there's no doubt about the beneficial effects of vitamin C. In addition to C, rose hips also contain A, D and E, as well as antioxidant flavonoids that may reduce the effects of aging and help prevent cancer. All this is wrapped up in the tart-sweet taste of the miniature fruits. They can be used to make jelly, jam, soup or oil. During World War II, the British government used collected rose hips to make rose hip syrup as a source of vitamin C to replace citrus fruits that were impossible to get.

Constituents

Vitamins A, C, D, E, flavonoids, lycopene, iron

Parts Used

Fruit either shelled or powdered

Summary

Rose hips have a long history of use in traditional medicine. The iron in rose hips make them an excellent supplement for menstruating women, and rose hip tea is a rich source of vitamin C, carrying all the benefits of that vitamin. In addition, the various flavonoids in rose hips have potent antioxidant action, helping to protect the body from the effects of stress, aging and the environment.

Precautions

None known.

http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/rosehips.php

Rosehips are accessory fruits that are normally red or orange in color and look swollen. They are pomaceous fruits of rose plant and can be dark-purple to black in color as well, in some species. They are considered to be an energizer due to their very high vitamin C content, much more than other citrus fruits. Rosehip tea is not only tasty and refreshing, but has a number of health benefits as well. It is caffeine-free and has a refreshing, tart and tangy taste that is similar to unsweetened cranberry juice. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B3, E, K and P. the tea also consist of potassium, calcium, iron, pectin, carotenoids, rutin and organic antioxidant bioflavonoids. Read on
further to know more about the health and nutrition benefits of rosehip tea.

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Drinking Rosehip Tea

• Rosehip tea has antibacterial, anti-viral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Due to its anti-aging properties, the tea heals tissues and cells.
• The tea fights cell damage caused by free radicals, tones the organs and regenerates cells.
• The phyto-chemicals present in rosehip tea prevent cancer and cardiac problems.
• It is a tonic that can invigorate and refresh a person and also increase his energy level.
• The nutrients present in the tea boost immunity and health.
• The vitamins contained in rosehip tea ensure vitality and longevity.
• Rosehip tea prevents colds and viral infections.
• It cleanses the respiratory tract and clears mucous congestion; thus, easing breathing.
• The tea is also helpful in minor ailments, like urinary tract infections.
• It prevents stress and acts as an anti-depressant, due to its calming effect.
• Rosehip tea is good for hormone regulation, skin hydration and circulation.
• The tea is recommended by medicine practitioners for relieving nausea, headaches, menstrual cramps, kidney and bladder infections, diarrhea and dizziness.
• The pectin present in rosehip tea helps in relieving constipation, cleansing the intestines and lowering cholesterol.
• It is used for treating disorders like allergies, asthma, bronchitis, etc.
• Rich in flavonoids, rosehip tea helps in strengthening the body’s capillaries.
• It fights dysentery and strengthens the stomach.

http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/health-benefits-of-rosehip-tea-7607.html

[Sarah Cortes]

We've always heard heat destroys vit C so I make smoothies with hips instead of tea. I recently heard vit C destroying heat is a wartime myth. Not sure if it's WW2 as mentioned above or not. Anybody else heard one way or other about heat/no-heat ?