Rosehip, or wild rose, is a flower with wide therapeutic uses. It is used to strengthen the immune, cardiovascular system and improve the functioning of the digestive tract. Due to its numerous beneficial properties, rosehip is one of the most effective natural products in cosmetology. The oil from it is ideal for dry, dehydrated, flaky and mature skin. Consider the general characteristics of this unique plant, as well as the benefits of its regular use.
General characteristics
Rosehip is a shrub from the Rosaceae family. This ornamental plant often adorns green parks and gardens. The medicinal properties and contraindications of wild rose have been known since ancient times. In Russia, there are 20 varieties of this flower, which differ in the shade of fruits and flowers. All varieties of the plant are used in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals and herbal medicine.
This shrubgrows up to 3 m in height. The branches of the plant are covered with thorns. The leaves are usually green and sharply serrated. Depending on the species, they may be covered with hairs. The plant has flowers with five petals in pink or white. The fruits of the plant ripen in late summer and autumn. The color of the fruit is usually red, but can also be orange, purple and even black.
Rosehip extract is considered a valuable component of many medical preparations and organic cosmetics. The beneficial properties of rose hips are used in the treatment of dermatological diseases to reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, increase blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, reduce diabetic symptoms, relieve various respiratory diseases, lower cholesterol, increase urine output, and regulate the digestive system. Rosehip oil has been used since time immemorial, mainly in aromatherapy and natural cosmetics.
Rosehip - medicinal properties
The effectiveness of a plant in protecting and treating various diseases is associated with the content of many useful ingredients in its composition, such as vitamins, minerals and various organic compounds.
Wild rose flowers contain:
- essential oils;
- flavonoids;
- anthocyanins.
The extract from the petals of the plant is mainly used externally - in skin care and treatment of skin diseases, as well as in dyspepsia. An oil is extracted from the petals of a wild rose, which nourishes the skin, and also has asoothing and relaxing effect. Flower petals are harvested in early April on dry days.
Healing properties of rose hips arise due to the content in them:
- vitamin C;
- vitamins A, B1, B2, E, K;
- minerals (calcium, iron, selenium, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, silicon and zinc);
- tannins;
- flavonoids;
- sterols;
- organic acids, folic acid, ascorbic acid;
- carotenoids;
- pectin.
The fruits of the plant are valued for their high content of vitamin C. 100 g of the product contains approximately 500–700 mg of the vitamin. Its content in fresh wild rose fruits is several dozen times higher than in citrus fruits. Drying, freezing and cooking berries leads to the fact that the amount of vitamin C in them is significantly reduced, but still remains several times higher than in citrus fruits. One to three rose hips provide an adult's daily requirement for vitamin C.
The fruits of the plant, used for medicinal purposes and cosmetic procedures, are harvested in August and September, when they are already ripe, soft and juicy.
Here are the most important properties of rose hips:
- stimulates the immune system, so it should be used for colds and pregnancy, as well as prophylactically;
- helps treat sore throat;
- protects the circulatory system and strengthens blood vessels;
- reduces hypertension;
- providesanti-inflammatory action;
- relieves symptoms of rheumatism;
- reduces blood cholesterol levels;
- relieves symptoms of respiratory disease;
- reduces insomnia;
- reduces feelings of fatigue;
- heals gastrointestinal inflammation;
- relieves symptoms of diarrhea and dyspepsia;
- helps with diseases of the urinary system.
In addition, the plant contains a large amount of organic compounds such as lycopene, pectins, lutein, beta-carotene, which provide better protection and more efficient functioning of the body.
He alth Benefits of Rose Hips
1. Rosehip prevents cancer and chronic diseases.
Carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols, which are found in the fruits of the plant, are very strong antioxidants. Eliminate or neutralize free radicals in the body, which are by-products of cellular metabolism and damage to he althy cells. Thus, some mutations of cancer cells and damage to he althy cells are prevented. Free radicals or a lack of antioxidants in the diet can lead to many serious diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and premature aging. The richness of antioxidants in rose hips is especially important in maintaining good body shape and proper he alth prevention.
Healing properties of wild rose will be appreciated by people with diabetes. It is believed that the fruitplants effectively regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for people with diabetes. Due to its positive effect on maintaining the balance of insulin and glucose in the body, rose hips can prevent spikes in blood sugar, which in some cases can even be fatal.
2. Strengthens the body's immune system.
An important useful property of wild rose is to strengthen the immune system. This is due to the impressive amount of vitamin C in the fruit. It is an indispensable active ingredient that ensures the flow of phagocytosis, i.e. the process of absorption of pathogenic microbes by white blood cells. Thanks to the strong stimulation of white blood cells, it helps, among other things, to prevent the onset of asthma and maintain the entire respiratory system in good condition.
Significant levels of valuable vitamins help to strengthen the entire immune system of the body, so that it can cope with various infections faster.
3. Reduces cholesterol levels.
Some of the organic compounds and antioxidant components contained in the plant can reduce the level of cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the load on the cardiovascular system. This reduces the risk of having a stroke or heart attack.
These unique protective properties of rose hips are due to the richness of flavonoids in its composition. They dilate blood vessels and eliminate foci of inflammation. Thanks to an appropriate dose of vitamin C, the body regenerates collagen to a greater extent, allowingincrease the flexibility and stability of blood vessel walls.
4. Strengthens the work of the mind and body.
Rose hips contain a significant amount of iron, which is an essential element in the process of creating red blood cells in the body. That is why the consumption of food products containing this plant helps prevent the occurrence of anemia, and also affects the proper oxygenation of all organs. Thus, rosehip in the daily diet increases metabolic activity and optimizes the functionality of organs. Allows you to improve and speed up the work of the brain.
Galactolipid contained in rose hips helps to inhibit the formation of inflammatory processes in the joints. This compound can positively influence the improvement of cartilage blood supply. Due to its properties, it has an effect on reducing swelling, stiffness, as well as feelings of pain in the joints.
5. It has a diuretic effect and improves digestion.
The various organic acids and pectic substances contained in rose hips are known as natural diuretics. The fruits of this plant can help remove toxins from the body, get rid of excess s alt, fluid, and even fat.
For digestive problems, all kinds of infusions from the plant are recommended, which can be very useful in solving problems such as diarrhea, inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, and even gallstone disease.
Wild rose fruit oil
Rosehip oil is obtained from specific varietiesplants, i.e. Rosa Aff. Rubiginosa, or Rosa Moschata. On the bushes, the fruits remain after the fall of the flower petals, and the oil is obtained from the seeds contained in the fruits. As a result of the process of cold pressing and extraction, the oil is separated from the remains of fruits and seeds.
When used externally in facial skin care, the oil from the fruit of the plant has many benefits - it increases cell metabolism and protects against the harmful effects of free radicals. The medicinal properties of rosehip oil depend mainly on its specific chemical composition. Undoubtedly, one of the main advantages of this product is the content of fatty acids in it, or rather oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. The oil from the fruits of the plant also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. When caring for the skin, they are absorbed, and then converted into prostaglandins, which are involved in the regenerative processes of tissues.
Main properties and uses of rosehip oil:
- Slow down skin aging. Wild rose oil slows down the aging process of the skin when used regularly. It is light and non-greasy, high in antioxidants and has the ability to penetrate deep into the skin. The vitamins C and A contained in it perfectly stimulate the production of collagen, which contributes to better protection against wrinkles. The active components of the oil can penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, increase moisture levels and reduce signs of skin aging.
- Protection against age spots. UV rays from the sun can damage skin tissue, causingpigment spots appear. The antioxidants in rosehip oil fight free radicals that damage the skin during tanning. In turn, vitamin A, when combined with oil rich in fatty acids, can help improve skin tone, texture, and pigmentation. The oil from the seeds of the plant deeply cleanses the skin and helps to eliminate redness and irritation. This is a wonderful natural treatment for rosacea.
- Help reduce acne scars. Essential fatty acids can help fade scarring and reduce the visible effects of eczema by naturally stimulating skin regeneration. Essential Fatty Acids are a natural complex that increases the flexibility and permeability of the skin, and also helps in its repair.
- Help with osteoarthritis. According to a study by the University of Maryland, tea from the plant is an excellent remedy that reduces various inflammatory processes in the body. Everyone who suffers from arthrosis of the joints can take advantage of the beneficial properties of rose hips. The properties and use of the plant on a regular basis can significantly improve the well-being of people with osteoarthritis. Reduction of the inflammatory process can also be observed when adding rosehip oil to a bath for bathing.
- He althy and shiny hair. Rosehip oil is often recommended for hair and scalp care. The valuable fatty acids contained in it provide the hair with the necessary hydration and protection against moisture loss, allowavoid the destructive action of adverse external factors. Vitamin E present in the oil effectively increases the firmness and elasticity of the hair structure. In protecting the scalp, it helps to relieve inflammation, relieve itching and provide good nutrition to the hair follicles.
Rosehip root
Medicinal raw materials used in traditional and folk medicine are not only the fruits and flowers of the wild rose, but also its root. Key He alth Benefits of Rosehip Root:
- astringent;
- choleretic;
- bactericidal action.
Decoction of wild rose root is used in herbal medicine for ailments such as:
- gallstone disease;
- liver and kidney disease;
- pancreas and spleen;
- hypertension;
- heart failure;
- malaria;
- diarrhea;
- anorexia.
Decoction of the roots of the plant is used in the treatment of respiratory diseases, to get rid of intestinal parasites.
Rosehip tea
Many people do not know the numerous beneficial properties of rose hips, and how to brew the fruits of this plant. But only with proper preparation of tea, you can save all the vitamins and minerals of the fruits of a wild rose.
Fresh fruit tea
Rose hips are harvested from the bush during their full maturity - at the turn of August and September. Then they should be sorted out, washed and cut into halves. Fruits prepared in this way (1tablespoon) should be poured with a glass of hot water (not higher than 60 degrees) and left to infuse under the lid for a quarter of an hour. After the infusion must be filtered. Pour the liquid into a separate container, and transfer the fruits to a saucepan, pour hot boiled water (3 tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and boil for 20 minutes over medium heat. The decoction thus obtained should be filtered and mixed with the infusion. To improve the taste, honey can be added to the drink.
Tea from dried fruits
Tea can be prepared not only from fresh, but also from dried rose hips. The medicinal properties and contraindications of this drink allow even small children to use it. To prepare it, the collected rose hips (preferably around September) should be dried in the oven at a temperature of 75-80 degrees Celsius (it takes about 3 hours). So dried fruits should be poured with hot (not boiling) water and left to infuse for several hours. Tea before serving can be warmed up a little and sweetened with honey.
Wild rose fruit syrup
Wild Rose Fruit Syrup has an original mild flavor and is highly valued by culinary professionals around the world. It can be diluted with water to create a delicious drink or added to tea, desserts like ice cream.
Healing properties of rosehip syrup:
- general strengthening effect on the body;
- has antispasmodic, choleretic and mild diuretic effect;
- helps with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, stomach ulcers,duodenum;
- effective for rheumatism, burns, infectious diseases.
Ingredients:
- 1kg wild rose fruit;
- 0.5 kg of sugar;
- 1 lemon;
- 2 liters of water.
Preparation:
- Rinse the rose hips and cut off the ends.
- Water, sugar, should be combined with sliced lemon and pour into a large saucepan, boil and cook until the sugar is completely dissolved.
- Add prepared fruits to the syrup and cook for 5-7 minutes.
- Then remove the syrup from the burner and leave for an hour.
- After this time, it is necessary to strain the syrup, rub the fruits through a sieve, mix the resulting puree with syrup.
- Boil and pour into sterilized glass bottles or jars.
- Store the syrup in a cool, dry and dark place.
Taking rosehip syrup, its medicinal properties and contraindications should not be ignored. Due to the high sugar content in the syrup, it is contraindicated for diabetics.
Benefits for women
Due to the content of folic acid and vitamins, wild rose fruit juice is recommended for pregnant and lactating women.
Drinking wild rose tea during menopause can have a beneficial effect on a woman's body, regulate vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin C), strengthen the circulatory system, and significantly strengthen the immune system. Rosehip brings relief in states of increased nervoustension, irritability, anxiety attacks and all mental illnesses associated with the difficult stage of premenopause and menopause.
Benefits for men
Wild rose fruits should be included in the daily diet for decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Useful properties of rose hips for men:
- potency increase;
- strengthening the body;
- quick recovery after heavy physical exertion;
- prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- improving sperm quality;
- normalization of psycho-emotional state.
Contraindications and side effects
In addition to the above medicinal properties of rose hips, there are also contraindications to the use of its fruits:
- Persons with high acidity, gastritis and stomach ulcers should be treated with caution with rose hips.
- The plant should not be taken by people with a tendency to thrombosis.
- It is not recommended to take medicines from the plant for a long time, as this can negatively affect the he alth of the liver. Remedies from wild rose roots inhibit the outflow of bile.
Sometimes, when taking the plant, vomiting, headaches, as well as heartburn or sleep disturbances may occur. It is believed that most of these symptoms may be primarily caused by food allergies, which do not threaten serious and long-term he alth consequences. However, you should pay attention to the reaction of your body and, in case of alarming symptoms, consult a doctor totake appropriate precautions.
