A Rose hip is the fruit of a rose. The wild dog rose is the type of rose most often cultivated for their hips. The fruit acids and pectin in rose hip tea is a mild diuretic and laxative. It is used to improve, and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders, or to help in the case of mild constipation. Rosehip tea provides comparatively high levels of phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants, according to Cornell University. Of 17 herbs evaluated in a study, rosehip was among the top, along with chamomile, hawthorn, lemon verbena and green tea. Rosehip tea may offer benefits for treatment of inflammatory diseases such as osteoarthritis, according to a study published in the July 2012 issue of the journal “Australian Family Physician”. Rosehip is also safer than conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in that it is gentle on the digestive tract and does not increase the risk for ulcer. Rosehip also lacks blood thinning effects. Rose hip has been widely acclaimed to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Regular consumption helps to increase mobility by 20 to 25%. It decreases pain and improves the overall mood of the patients. People treated with rose hip experienced a significant reduction in pain, stiffness and joint inflammation. The anti-inflammatory properties of rose hips are useful in the treatment of patients suffering from knee or hip arthritis. Vitamin C in rose hips has been proven to lessen respiratory issues and prevent asthma. Rose hip rich diet also reduces wheezing symptoms in children and aids in treating asthma, chronic cough, shortness of breath and even runny nose. The presence of several vitamins and minerals in rosehip also helps to boost immunity and lessens the duration of cold. Antioxidants present in rose hip also help to reduce cholesterol level in a person. Millions of people suffer from cholesterol problems which can lead to dangerous consequences. Doctors always recommend dietary changes for people who want to reduce cholesterol. It is advisable to drink rose hip tea if you suffer from cholesterol problems. It is particularly helpful for those people who abstain from taking medication. Rosehip helps to prevent heart diseases in obese people in that it elevates systolic blood pressure. Rose hips contain a variety of antioxidants like carotenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols and so on. These antioxidants help to prevent cancer and other cardiovascular diseases. Rose hip is a powerful and effective antioxidant that protects our body from free radicals that cause oxidative stress, or ”cellular rust” that can lead to a host of severe medical conditions. Diabetic patients can also benefit from Rose hip as it helps to regulate sugar levels to reduce the risk of getting diabetes and improves the symptoms of existing cases. Supplementing rose hip powders forces glucose in the body cells where it protects against many complications of diabetes. The fruit acids and pectin present in rose hip has diuretic and laxative properties. It is used to improve and relieve the symptoms of kidney disorders and helps to cure constipation. Iron in rosehips produces red blood cells which oxygenates the body that is lost during menstruation. Vitamin C makes iron absorption easy making it a helpful ally for the overall health. Rose hip is used to treat stomach disorders which includes
- stomach spasm
- stomach acid deficiency
- prevents stomach irritation and ulcers.
It is best used as a stomach tonic for intestinal diseases. Rosehip is also used to treat stomach disorders like
- diarrhoea
- constipation
- gallstones
- gall bladder ailments
- gout
- and urinary tract infections.
Rose hip is also beneficial for the immune system. It helps to prevent infections from both bacterial and viral infections. It wards off infections which can lead to viral fever, by increasing immune function during exhaustion, increasing blood flow in the limbs, increasing urine flow and quenching thirst. A word of caution: Do not boil rosehips in water as it destroys Vitamin C content. Consult a physician or a nutritionist before consuming rosehip tea, in case you are taking prescribed medicine.