This unusual name derives from a legend, narrated by Pliny the Elder, that a soldier would be cured from rabies after drinking a decoction of rose hips.
This type of rose, precisely of the Rosaceae family, grows wild mainly in Italy and can be considered the forerunner of roses.
The properties of rose hips are well known since the Middle Ages, a time when it was a panacea for many ills. Used as anti-inflammatory, it was then seen to treat asthma and anemia, and to strengthen the body against the cold. During World War II replaced it with citrus, being rich in vitamin C.
How to recognize the rose hip
The wild rose is known by woody stem that has some similar red plugs with hooks. The flower has petals large, lobed, pinkish and not very fragrant. The leaves are oval and elliptic with toothed margins. It can be found in the woods (in particular pine and oak) and also at the hedges. The flowers appear in May and last till July. The fruits are yellow to red and ripen in early autumn.
The properties of rose hip
Here are the most important properties of rose hips:
- immunomodulatory
- tonic
- cleansing
- anti-inflammatory
- astringent
Let's see specifically the benefits that derive from the consumption of rose hips.
Among the properties and benefits of rose hip the immunomodulatory action or to balance the immune system, causing it to activate in the event of attacks by viruses and external bacteria.
Its anti-inflammatory action, known since the Middle Ages, has positive effects especially on the respiratory system, in particular is sought to cure: cold, cough, asthma, allergies due to pollens, sinusitis and rhinitis. It can also be used to treat conjunctivitis and joint pain due to osteoarthritis and arthritis.
The wild rose is also effective against anemia, because it increases the absorption of iron and calcium deficiencies because it serves the same action. And 'also useful against stomach problems and to lower cholesterol, ultimately it contributes to the production of hemoglobin and activates the functioning of vitamin B9 or folic acid.
The rose hip extracts are also an excellent tonic and have a diuretic effect, cleansing and astringent. So it is great in case of stressful periods, to be taken in case of purification, even for the blood circulation and in case of dysentery. It 'good to combat water retention.
Studies have shown that the rose hip extracts help to combat urinary tract infections, therefore intake of herbal tea may be useful in cases of cystitis.
It is supposed that it can mitigate the gout disorders and has anticancer properties that however have not yet been definitively established.
How to take the dog rose
The rose hip is in the form of different preparations: tincture, herbal tea, extracts, tea, macerated petals, buds and macerated dried extracts that can be found in herbal medicine. With regard to the vitamin C only the fresh fruits (100 g contain vitamin C of a kilo of oranges) of rose hip contain in abundant quantity, for so if one wants to use as a supplement should choose the fresh fruits or dried extracts that are specifically treated to preserve the vitamin supply. The herbal tea is highly recommended especially for respiratory problems and make compresses and gargles, they should take even those who suffer from exhaustion and depression. The mother tincture is especially recommended in case of cooling. The Rose hip oil is instead indicated for massage for those suffering from joint pain.
For the uninitiated on the market you can also find honey and jams the rose hip.
How to prepare natural remedies with rose hip
With the fruits of rose hip (berry) you can prepare the decoction, just to clean all fresh fruits and boil for ten minutes in plenty of hot water, filter, sweeten and drink according to the doses indicated by the specialist.
For the herbal tea are dried in the rose hips that are preserved in glass jars. Then it squeezes the recommended amount in a mortar and put them in infusion into a boiling pot of water for a few minutes. Take as prescribed. The decoction can also be poured into the bath to unwind and tone.
With the fruits they are also obtained jellies and jams that are excellent tonics. Just cook for half an hour in boiling water, then blend them and add sugar and lemon juice. Mix well and put in a glass jar.
Rose hip: contraindications and side effects
It 'not recommended for use during pregnancy and lactation, to avoid the use in children. No particular side effects were observed, however ,, it is recommended not to exceed in order to avoid nausea, headaches, cramps, insomnia, stomach pain and fatigue.
It is not recommended to take the canine rose in correspondence with some drugs such as antacids that contain aluminum, since the vitamin C favors the absorption, the lithium and the effect of which would be rather hindered by its vitamin C. From avoid taking also into If therapy with estrogen. In case of contemporary therapies it is necessary that they pass at least five hours between the intake of the drug and the remedy to base of rose hip.
The dosage of the remedies made from rose hips That must always be brought to the attention of the doctor or of the herbalist, whatever the disorder. Also remember that these natural remedies do not replace the drugs so it is always necessary to consult a doctor.
