There are SO Many Benefits to Rosehips – Yet They’re Almost Forgotten! And They’re a Huge Source of an Important Nutrient!
I can remember being given rosehip syrup as a child when I was sick or throughout Winter. It meant nothing to me then, but new studies show that rosehip has lots of health and anti-aging benefits.
And after showing you the benefits, I’ll discuss how best to use it.
What Are Rosehips?
Rosehips are the edible ‘fruit’ of roses. They form after the flowers die, and you can see them easily once the rose petals drop.
They are slightly different, depending on the rose bush variety, but most of them have lots of lovely nutrients. If you buy rosehips commercially, they’ve probably come from a dog rose bush.
Are They New?
No. The Chinese have used rosehips as a health tonic for centuries, and it’s said that even the Vikings used them!
During World War II, Britain couldn’t import citrus fruits, so children and the elderly were getting sick due to a lack of vitamin C, especially in winter. The Ministry of Health called for a huge collection campaign. The rosehips were made into syrup and distributed across the country.
Benefit Your Immunity
Rosehips are a little-known source of vitamin C. In fact, there’s more C in them than in many other fruits and veggies. (For example, rosehips have 112-360mg of vitamin C (per 100 grams of fruit pulp), compared to oranges with about 53mg).
Vitamin C may help to boost your immunity, to help you avoid colds and flu as well as respiratory infections.
Antioxidants
Rosehips are full of antioxidants (such as polyphenols, flavonoids, carotenoids, and vitamin E). Antioxidants help to lower chronic inflammation by neutralizing free radicals, which can contribute to a wide range of chronic diseases. They may lower your risk of many age-related diseases.
Boost Your Gut Health
Rosehips have been used for centuries to treat diarrhea, stomach ulcers, and other gastro ailments – and new research confirms their benefits.
They are also rich in pectin, a prebiotic that feeds the good bacteria in your gut for a healthy digestive system.
May Ease Arthritis (and Other Types of Pain)
Rosehips can help to ease the pain and inflammation of arthritis and osteoarthritis.
In one clinical trial, people took rosehip powder twice daily for 4 months. Nearly 65% of the patients had reduced pain, and hip joint mobility improved as well. And there were none of the side-effects of painkillers!
Heart Benefits of Rosehips
Did you know that vitamin C is important for healthy heart? Plus, some studies show that getting more vitamin C in your diet can improve cholesterol. And because rosehips are full of antioxidants, they can also help to reduce blood pressure and improve blood flow to the heart.
Improve Your Skin (Anti-Aging)
Rosehips may also help reduce wrinkles in your skin due to the vitamins A and C and other antioxidants contained in them.
BUT – Beware!
Important Note: Roses that you buy are normally sprayed with pesticides (because many bugs love them). So be sure to always look for certified organic rosehips— no matter how you’re going to use them.
(Or grow your own organic roses, see below). Next, discover how to use rosehips…..
How To Use Rosehips
Most people take rosehips as a tea or as a powdered extract. Be sure you buy 100% organic!
- Rosehip syrup can be served over porridge, yoghurt or ice cream.
- Or dilute it with water and ice for a refreshing cordial drink.
- Or use it as a sweetener in a cocktail.
- Or give a lovely twist to a yogurt!
- If you have whole rosehips, cut off the ends, cut the rosehips in half, dig out the seeds with a small teaspoon (you can use them in baking), and freeze the berries. Then use them in a smoothie.
Rosehip Syrup
You may be able to buy the syrup, or to make your own –
Simmer rosehip berries with enough water to cover for about 30-45 minutes. Mash and then sieve the berries to remove the seeds and little hairs. While still just warm, add enough raw honey or sugar to sweeten to taste. Store in the fridge, and freeze what you won’t use within a couple weeks.
Another Rosehip Syrup Recipe
This recipe is a little more complicated than the recipe above, but gives a better, purer taste, and straining the liquid helps to remove the seeds and little hairs of the ‘fruit’.
- 1kg / 4 cups Rosehips
- 500g / 2 cups granulated sugar
- Water
Wash and shake your freshly picked rosehips, to remove any unwanted critters or dirt. Then pop them in the freezer overnight to soften.
Defrost, then chop your rosehips into a pulp – a blender is easiest, or a sharp knife. Put them into a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to the boil, then allow to simmer for 15-20 minutes.
Strain the pulp through muslin into a bowl, allowing plenty of time for all of the liquid to drip through. You can gently squeeze the cloth to help it along, but don’t rush this step. Some recipes recommend straining the liquid again to ensure that the irritating hairs have been removed.
Once your liquid is nice and clear, it’s time to add the sugar. Measure how much syrup you’ve got, then return to the pan. For every 100ml / 3 ½ oz of liquid, add about 60g / 2 oz of sugar.
Heat very slowly and skim off any scum that forms on top. Once the sugar has dissolved, your syrup is ready!
Decant into sterilised glass bottles and keep in the refrigerator to ensure it stays fresh. Serve over ice cream, as a sweetener in cocktails, or to give yoghurt an autumnal twist.
Grow Your Own Rosehips
If you enjoy gardening and like roses, then grow your own!
Ask a nursery or garden centre for advice on the best roses for rosehips, and grow without using pesticides.
Leave your rosehips on the bush until after the first frost (this helps them to ripen, making them slightly softer and sweeter). But, be sure to harvest them before a hard frost.
Leave any shrivelled ones for the birds and any other wildlife.
Then use the ideas above to use your lovely organic rosehips!
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Do you use rosehips? Was this post useful? Let me know in the comments below.
Warm regards,
P.S. Don’t forget to download your FREE recipes for yummy smoothies that will keep you feeling full! Click here.
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