Watching wild roses fade doesn’t hurt as much anymore, knowing Rosehips wait at its core. Allowing the roses to bloom through their florets, into bare twigs and exposed thorns. Only favoring the rebellious kind that grows wild to bear fruit.Among them is an unruly variety named Dog Rose or Rosa Canina. Canina meaning “sharp teeth or thorns” Growing prickled, entangled shrubs that reach heights up to 9 ft. From spring to summer they grace us with 5 petalled flowers, colors ranging from white to dusty pink. In the Fall, you can see shiny hips forming into robust torpedo shapes. Rosehips come to fruition in winter; the cooler air allows the fruits to ‘blet’ or ripen. Gifting us with crimson fruits, oval hips that stretch colors of red to burnt orange. Its become our medicine in times of unforgiving weather.
Many cultures have turned to rosehips as a remedy for colds. It wasn’t until 1930 that England discovered Rosehip has 20x more Vitamin C than an orange. This was found out during World War 2. Having been cut out of trading routes, left desperate for fresh fruit, and their children malnourished. Rosehips, like many other herbs, became a strong ally to people’s health in times of little hope. After discovering rosehips, it wasn’t long before they were mass-produced into a syrup. Soon after, the applications were endless. From Rosehip oil, to syrup and jam. Some parts of Europe have already incorporated the fruit into their home dishes. In Sweden, rosehips are used as soup, or Nypon soppa, Germany’s name for it is, Hagebuttern.
Not only has Rosehips gifted many cultures in times of need. The fruit is seen as a symbol of nourishment and life after beauty fades. The temperatures in which rosehips thrive inspire resilience, promise life after death, or a barren season. Many people have sought out the essence that rosehips carry.
In the Middle Ages, the hips were carried like charms to protect the wearer from evil. Some folklore suggests, the hips strung like a necklace or hung in a sachet can be used for love and/or protection. Ancient Romans, Persians, Greeks valued this as a remedy to invigorate their body strength and calm the heart. I think that’s a bit excessive compared to the children who’ve seen the herb as the key element to their mischievous pranks. Using the hairs inside as itch-powder to crack open, down their friend’s backs.
The seeds inside are nightmares of itchiness. What’s actually quite funny is when pressed into an oil the inner seeds elicit a moisturizing and soothing effect for the dry and itchy skin! Truly this herb is healing to the skin and our immune system.
Energetics Properties
Cooling Nutritive Tonic Diuretic
Moistening Cooling Agent
Slightly astringent Antioxidant
Nutritional Aspects:
Vitamin C: Rosehips dominate most citrus fruits in terms of the amount of vitamin C they contain. Fresh hips are preferred; when dried, they can lose a bit of their strength. This vitamin is crucial to calcium absorption and supports collagen production (one of the main protein components for bone flexibility and strength). Together, they can also build skin elasticity and reduce wrinkles.
Carotenoids: Beta carotene and lycopene are what give the hips their burnt orange-red pigment. Beta cortene is then converted into vitamin K. Both have been shown to support vision, skin and immune health. Vitamin K in specific, key function is to regulate blood coagulation.
Flavonoids: These powerhouse antioxidants are the largest phytonutrients in our plant world. Rose Canina has over 6 varieties of flavonoids. One that takes the cake is Trillospide, helping to burn fatty acids in the skeletal muscle and burn the storage of fatty acids in fat tissue. Meaning, Trillospide makes the most use out of key sources of energy. Increasing fuel in the muscles while burning that fuel for energy brings the body to optimal performance. Drinking rosehips won’t give you a burst of strength; instead, it completely opens up your energy, and you feel more suited to take on the day.
Fatty acids: Mainly found in seeds. They contain essential fatty acids like Omega-3 & Omega-6, which are unsaturated fats that are more bioavailable and overall healthier for our bodies. These fatty oils improve circulation, reduce cholesterol, and inhibit inflammation
Nourish our Skin
Rosehips are highlighted in beauty care for their “anti-aging” magic to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and give a supple, glassy skin look. Thanks to the high amount of polyunsaturated fats that promote a healthy skin membrane to protect any potential environmental pollutants, like UV rays (the sun), cigarette smoke, and pollution. The amount of vitamin C directly on your face promotes collagen synthesis, replenishing skin cells, which can help get rid of acne scarring, and in some cases, reduce the appearance of red or inflamed skin texture. Rosehips’ antioxidant profile, from the Vitamin C to fatty acids, creates a holy grail for moisturized & mature skin.
Medicine to the Body
During the winter of 2018, a research study published by the Journal of Herbal Medicine found that taking ‘R. Canina’ during a cold season maintained respiratory wellness and lowered the risk & severity of influenza for participants.
Our thanks are rightfully again, too, Rosehips high amount of vitamins readily absorbed by the body. Specifically, vitamin C traps any reactive oxygen activity and mitigates any free radicals, protecting our immune system. Rosehips are more effective with consistent use, building your immune system throughout fall & winter, and your body is more prepared to adapt to changing temperatures.
Rosehips contain a special phytochemical, Galactoplipid (GOPO), that stops the production of white blood cells from growing in joint tissues. This mitigates the feelings of joint stiffness, while Rosehips continue their fight by inhibiting the growth of catabolic enzymes that can break down joint cartilage.
Plant Energetics
A philosopher inspired my understanding of rosehips through their words, “ Die each moment so that you can be new each moment.”- Osho
Rosehips speak to warmth and life in times of barren earth. So forth, I believe the becoming of Rosehips, cures the resistance to uncomfortably and struggles. More so, the rigid mindset or feelings that we aren’t able to thrive in such conditions. To be able to penetrate through the frosted soil into luscious fruition is a testimony in itself to witness.
Rosehips add a layer of soothing in cleanses or anything involved with releasing. In that release, they are the gentle hands that remind us of the beauty in growing. Those very harsh temperatures make the juices of deeper healing and acceptance of ourselves, something we will have to reciprocate onto others, later.
That said, my time spent with Rosehips has touched on redefining my inner beauty. In general, one can relate Rosehips to the same energetic uses as Roses just with a stronger wall of support.
I’m personally fond of its protective nature. Its character is aggressive in hooked thorns that guard the intent to harbor beauty selfishly.
RECIPES
ROSEHIP OIL
INGREDIENTS
- 1 cup rosehips
- 250 ml jojoba oil
- 250 ml almond oil
- 3 drops liquid vitamin
E oi
TOOLS
- Funnel
- Casserole Dish
- Cheesecloth
- Mortar & Pestle or grinder/blender
If collecting your own rosehips, forage them on a dry day. Clean off stems and leaves. Bruise them in a mortar and pestle, releasing and smashing the seeds. If unable to grind them yourself, use a coffee grinder or blender. Place rosehips in a dish and pour the oils over them. Place in the oven at 100 degrees for about 8 hours. Remove from the oven and let it settle in a dark place. Strain the oil through several layers of cheesecloth. For a deeper infusion, you can let them settle in a mason jar for 3-4 weeks longer before straining.
As always, seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical Condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read, heard, or seen in our blog posts.
