Rose Hips Benefits
The center portion of the rose flower that contains the seeds is referred to as the rose hip. The rose hip is bright red or orange and has a shiny outer casing to protect the fruit. Rose hips are known by a number of names including dog rose, rose fruit and wild boar fruit. There are a number of health and beauty uses for rose hips. Does this Spark an idea?
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Background
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Roses are grown around the world but are a common crop in Europe. Every type of rose has rose hips, as they are the seedpod of the fruit. Rose hips commonly used for medicine and food are either the dog rose or the Rugosa rose.
The outer layer of the rose hip contains approximately 150 seeds. These seeds are surrounded by hairs that should be removed before use; they irritate the throat and change the taste and potency of the rose hip.
Medicinal Uses
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Rose hips contain a higher concentration of vitamin C than citrus fruits and are frequently used as a common-cold treatment and a nutritional supplement. It is thought to aid in the maintenance of skin, bones and blood vessels.
Some consider rose hips to be a supplement for osteoarthritis. By preventing a concentration of white blood cells in joints, rose hips inhibit the stiffness of joints and reduce the occurrence of arthritis (see References).
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Beauty Benefits
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Believed to improve the skin by aiding in the production of collagen, rose hip oil is a common ingredient in organic facial products. The oil is thought to reduce skin blemishes and irritations, improve overall hydration and lessen the appearance of scars.
Rose Hips in Foods
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Rugosa rose fruit is considered the most palatable variety of rose hips and it is frequently used in cooking. Some people used rose hips as an ingredient in breads and baked goods. Rose hip jam is a recipe that has been around for several centuries. Rose hips are also an ingredient in soups, stews and sauces; they have a taste similar to the cranberry.
Rose hip tea has become popular in recent years. Rather than having a pungent rose flavor and fragrance, it offers a tangy, assertive flavor.
Availability
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Rose hips are available in a number of forms, including dry rose hip pods, rose hip oil and dry granules. They can be picked after the first fall frost and used in their fresh form. Fresh rose hips have the highest concentration of vitamin C.
You can grow roses on your property and collect the rose hips yourself, visit your local herbal supplement store, or look online for sources.
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