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Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Gordana Adamovic-Mladenovic

Rose hips oil and extract have been used for hundreds of years for many different purposes. Rose hips oil is excellent for the skin and is used for its anti-aging properties as well as for skin conditions, scars and burns. Rose hips extract is used in a supplement form to take internally and is known to be an anti-inflammatory agent for osteoarthritis and a good source of bioflavinoids and vitamin C.

History

Roses have been known for their unique beauty and heady fragrance; but it is the rosehips (fruit) that have been valued throughout history for their beneficial health properties. The benefits of this oil were first discovered by the University of Conception in Chile. Researchers there discovered the profound healing properties of rose hips oil.

Benefits of Rose Hips Oil

Rose hips oil has been shown to help in the healing of many skin conditions such as acne, dermatitis, eczema, scars, sunburn, stretchmarks and brittle nails. It is rich in vitamin A, essential fatty acids, and vitamin C and is considered a regenerative oil.

How Oil Is Made

Rose hips oil can be made through a cold- and expeller-pressed process of the fruit, which is usually done by a manufacturing company. At home, fresh or dried rosehips (fruit/seeds) of roses can be used; put them in a dark jar and then add any type of oil, such as vegetable oil or olive oil.

Benefits of Rose Hips Extract

Rose hips extract has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation, and improve movement for people with osteoporosis. It has also been shown to have some protective effect on stomach tissue.

How Extract Is Made

To make rose hips extract is an involved process but essentially the fresh or dried fruit/seed of the plant is chopped and mashed into a liquid, such as alcohol, then the solid parts are strained. Extracts are concentrated liquid preparations used in tinctures and as medicinals.