Common name:	Rose hip
Scientific name:	Rosa canina,  Rosa rugosa
Synonyms:	rosehips, rose haws
Parts used:	the aggregate fruit of the rose plant

 Overview:

Rose hips are the edible fruits of the rose plant, especially the Dog Rose. Roses are a woody perennial plant that grows throughout the temperate regions of the world. Most roses grow as an upright shrub or climbing vine. The large blossoms of wild roses have 5 petals. These open pollinated blooms product the largest and most nutritious hips. It is believed that roses are native to Europe and the Middle East. There are records of them being grown in the gardens of the ancient Sumerians as far back as 2600B.C. Early Christians used rose hips to craft the first rosary beads. During World War II the English gathered rose hips from the countryside to use as a source of vitamin C. The German naval blockade prevented oranges from getting in to the country.

Active ingredients:

Nutritional:

• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• B vitamins
• Vitamin K

Chemically active:

• Carotene, malic acid
• Flavonoids
• Fatty and volatile oils
• Tannins
• pectin

Traditional uses:

Rose hips and petals are both important in traditional medicine, the hips for their vitamin content and the petals in aromatherapy. Traditionally, rose hips are used:

• as an immune system enhancer especially for the respiratory system
• to reestablish the beneficial intestinal flora disrupted by antibiotic usage
• to reduce fevers
• as a diuretic
• mild laxative
• menstrual cramps

Clinical uses:

The flavonoids in rose hips are currently being studied for their ability to prevent heart disease and cancer. Rose hips have properties similar to cranberries in preventing and treating urinary tract infections.

Recommended Dosage:

Pediatric

Pediatric dosages are calculated by a child’s body weight. Since adult dosages are calculated using a body weight of 150 lbs to calculate a pediatric dose simply take the child’s weight and divide by 150 lbs. For example, if a child weights 50 lbs and the adult dose for a supplement is 150mg: 50lbs/150lbs=.33 or 1/3 of adult dose so take the 150mg adult dose and divide by 3 to obtain the child’s dose of 50mg.

Adult

• Decoction (a strong tea): boil 2.5tsp of thinly sliced fresh or of the dried rose hips in 8 oz of water for 10 minutes, strain and drink throughout the day.
• Tincture (1:5) in 30% ethanol: take 10-15 drops in water three times a day.
• Rose hip syrup, prepare a strong decoction of fresh rose hips add honey or sugar and simmer in a double boiler until it becomes the consistency of maple syrup.

Contra-indications:

Large does of rose hips have been known to cause diarrhea or allergic reactions such as hives and throat swelling. People who are allergic to roses should not take rose hips. Women who are pregnant or nursing should discuss taking rose hips with their health care practitioner.

Drug interactions:

There have been no recorded instances of drug interaction when taking rose hips

Web References:

1. Answers.com
2. Wikipedia

Printed Reference Material:

1. Duke, James A. The Green Pharmacy. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press, 1997.
2. McIntyre, Anne. The Medicinal Garden. New York: Henry Holt and Company, Inc., 1997.
3. Medical Economics Company. PDR for Herbal Medicines. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, 1998.
4. "Rose Hips." In: Organic Gardening Collection, No. 4 Rodale, Inc., 1999.
5. Daels-Rakotoarison, D. A., B. Gressier, F. Trotin, et al. "Effects of Rosa canina Fruit Extract on Neutrophil Respiratory Burst." Phytotherapy Research 16 (March 2002): 157-161.
6. Szentmihalyi, K., P. Vinkler, B. Lakatos, et al. "Rose Hip (Rosa canina L.) Oil Obtained from Waste Hip Seeds by Different Extraction Methods." Bioresource Technology 82 (April 2002): 195-201.
7. American Herbalists Guild. 1931 Gaddis Road, Canton, GA 30115. (770) 751-6021.
8. American Rose Society. P. O. Box 30000, Shreveport, LA 71130. (318) 938-5402.
9. [Article by: Clare Hanrahan; Rebecca J. Frey, PhD]