The rose flower graces us with an intoxicating scent and an almost incomparable beauty.
But did you know that the scent of roses is healing?
It's true: the essential oil of this most romantic of flowers contains antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and calming properties.
But besides this ethereal bloom, there’s something else the rose bush gives us: the potent and revered rosehip.
What Are Rosehips?
Rosehips are the accessory or “false fruit” of rose plants, appearing when the rose flower dies.
Not all rose plants produce rosehips, which makes this edible part of the plant that much more special.
Appearance
Appearing as a cylindrical berry with tiny hairs sprouting from its bottom, the bright orange-red rosehip is a nutritional powerhouse for both the skin and the body.
Nutrition
Rosehips also contain:
- Flavonoids
- Vitamins:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin E
- Vitamin A
- Minerals:
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Manganese
- Magnesium
- Zinc
They’re also one of the best vegetable oil sources of omega 3s and a good source of omega 6s as well.
Rose in the Kitchen
You can add taste to the list of senses that roses appeal to. From tea and jam made from rose hips to salads and desserts that contain rose petals or rosewater, the rose has its own unique culinary flavor.
The International Herb Association suggests adding rose water to:
- sliced strawberries
- fresh lemonade
- hot or iced tea
Finding and Choosing Rosehip Oil
Rosehip oil can spoil quickly, so be sure to buy it in dark glass bottles. Store in the refrigerator to extend shelf life.
Look for rosehip oil, or rosehip’s Latin name (Rosa rubiginosa), on product labels.
- For purity and best results, shop for certified organic rosehip oil, which is free of herbicides and pesticides.
- Look for varieties made with cold-press methods, since high heat can degrade some of rosehip oil’s active ingredients.
- You can also make your own, with our DIY rosehip oil recipe.
Benefits of Rosehip Oil
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For Your Skin
Rosehip oil, also known as rosehip seed oil, is extracted from the crushed seeds of the wild rosehip fruit. It’s lightweight and easily absorbed by the skin.
Rosehip oil comes as straight oil, or it can be combined with other ingredients in creams or powders.
Applying the oil to the skin can help reduce redness and slow the signs of aging. It’s known for its ability to brighten, firm, and tighten the skin.
What else can this golden-hued oil do for skin?
- fight acne and shrink pimples due to its linoleic acid
- regenerate the skin’s cellular membrane and tissues
- reduce scar tissue due to its essential fatty acids and antioxidants
- moisturize dry skin
- protect skin from oxidative stress
- improve skin moisture, elasticity, and wrinkles
- lower inflammation and redness from inflammatory skin conditions:
- eczema
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- dermatitis
- lighten hyperpigmentation and fade lighter-colored dark spots
- improve texture and appearance of scars (applied topically twice a day)
- reduce sun damage due to its vitamin A content
- hydrate dry and itchy skin with its essential fatty acids
- assist with collagen production and skin cell turnover
- help alleviate symptoms of PMS as well as menstrual cramps
Before bed is a good time to use rosehip oil. Apply a few drops to clean skin just before moisturizing. For best results, apply rosehip the oil neat up to twice a day. Or add a few drops to another carrier oil or to your daily moisturizer.
Research has also found that those who took rosehip powder orally had increases in their skin elasticity.
Rosewater, made from the petals of the flower, is found in cosmetics and is touted as an antiseptic that’s soothing to sensitive skin.
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For Your Hair
The benefits of rosehip oil also extend to the hair. Some people use it to moisturize and condition their locks, but avoid applying rosehip oil to very fine hair, as the oil may weigh it down.
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For the Body
It’s no surprise the benefits of rosehips go beyond the skin. Rosehips were once a key part of North America’s native peoples’ diets.
Today, the edible rosehip is consumed in powdered form or syrups, or as a dried fruit. Rosehips have also found their way into teas, beverages, jams, jellies, wines, breads, and more.
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As an Anti-Inflammatory
Traditionally, rosehips have treated many diseases. With their anti-inflammatory benefits, they can help provide relief from arthritis when taken daily.
Rosehips block cartilage cells’ proteins from activating. This activation can lead to the detrimental degradation of joint tissue.
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To Fight Obesity
The rosehip may even fight obesity. Researchers discovered that taking rosehip extract daily significantly reduced abdominal total fat area, body weight, and body mass index in pre-obese subjects.
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For Immunity
Rich in vitamin C and zinc, rosehips are an impressive immune booster as well.
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Precautions
Other Conditions
Rosehips are not recommended for:
- pregnant and breastfeeding women
- those who are diabetic or tend to get kidney stones
- those with bleeding conditions or sickle cell disease
- those with an iron-related disorder or anemia.
Possible Reactions
Before using rosehip oil or products containing it, perform a patch test for any reactions or allergies:
- Apply a small amount to the wrist, elbow, or forearm.
- Cover the area with a bandage or gauze for 24 hours.
- After this time, remove the bandage or gauze and check if any redness, itchiness, or rash occurs.
If there’s irritation or inflammation, rinse the area and don’t use the product.