Rosehip, or wild rose, is a flower that has wide therapeutic applications. It is used to strengthen the immune, cardiovascular system and improve the digestive tract. Due to its many beneficial properties, rose hip is one of the most effective natural products in cosmetology. 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 bush from the Rosaceae family. This ornamental plant often adorns green parks and gardens. The medicinal properties and contraindications of rose hips were known in ancient times. In Russia, there are 20 varieties of this flower, which differ in the shade of fruits and flowers. All plant varieties are used in cosmetology, pharmaceuticals and herbal medicine.
This shrub grows to 3 m in height. The branches of the plant are covered with thorns. Leaves are most often green, sharp-dentate. 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 may also have an orange, purple and even black tint.
Rosehip extract is considered a valuable component of many medicines 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 excretion, 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 the plant in the protection and treatment of various diseases is associated with the content in its composition of many useful ingredients, 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 used mainly externally - in skin care and treatment of skin diseases, as well as dyspepsia. Oil is extracted from the petals of a wild rose, which nourishes the skin, and also has a calming and relaxing effect. Flower petals are harvested in early April on dry days.
The healing properties of rose hips arise due to the content in them:
- Vitamin C
- vitamins A, B 1 , B 2 , 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 because of the high content of vitamin C. About 100-700 mg of vitamin are in 100 g of a product. Its content in fresh wild rose fruits is several tens of 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 citruses. From one to three rose hips provides 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:
- it stimulates the immune system, so it should be used for colds and during pregnancy, as well as prophylactically;
- contributes to the treatment of sore throat;
- protects the blood system and strengthens blood vessels;
- reduces hypertension;
- has an anti-inflammatory effect;
- relieves the symptoms of rheumatism;
- lowers blood cholesterol;
- relieves symptoms of respiratory diseases;
- reduces insomnia;
- reduces the feeling of fatigue;
- cures inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract;
- relieves symptoms of diarrhea and dyspepsia;
- helps with diseases of the urinary system.
In addition, the plant contains a large number of organic compounds, such as lycopene, pectins, lutein, beta-carotene, which provide better protection and more efficient work of the body.
The health benefits of using rose hips
1. Rosehip prevents cancer and chronic diseases.
Carotenoids, flavonoids and polyphenols that are found in the fruits of the plant are very powerful antioxidants. Eliminate or neutralize the free radicals in the body, which are by-products of cellular metabolism and damage to healthy cells. Thus, some mutations of cancer cells and damage to healthy cells are prevented. Free radicals or 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 health prevention.
The healing properties of rose hips will also be appreciated by people with diabetes. It is believed that the fruits of the plant effectively regulate blood sugar, which is important for people with diabetes. Due to the positive effect on maintaining the balance of insulin and glucose in the body, rosehip can prevent blood sugar spikes, which in some cases can even be fatal.
2. Strengthens the body's immune system.
An important useful property of rose hips is the strengthening of the immune system. This is due to the impressive amount of vitamin C in the fruits. It is an indispensable active ingredient that ensures the progression 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 allows, in particular, to prevent the occurrence of asthma and maintain the entire respiratory system in good condition.
A significant level of valuable vitamins allows you to strengthen the whole immune system of the body, so that it can quickly cope with various infections.
3. Lowers cholesterol.
Some of the organic compounds and antioxidant components contained in the plant can reduce cholesterol in the body, thereby reducing the burden on the cardiovascular system. This reduces the risk of stroke or heart attack.
These unique protective properties of rose hips arise due to the richness of flavonoids in its composition. They dilate blood vessels and eliminate foci of inflammation. Due to the appropriate dose of vitamin C, the body restores collagen to a greater extent, which allows to increase the flexibility and stability of the walls of blood vessels.
4. Strengthens the work of the mind and body.
Rose hips contain a significant amount of iron, which is a necessary 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 brain.
The galactolipid contained in rose hips can inhibit the formation of inflammatory processes in the joints. This compound can have a positive effect on improving the blood supply to cartilage. Due to its properties, it affects the reduction of edema, 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 in removing toxins from the body, get rid of excess salt, liquid, 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
Oil from rose hips is obtained from specific varieties of plants, 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 remnants of fruits and seeds.
When used externally in facial skin care, oil from the fruits of the plant has many advantages - it increases the metabolism of cells and protects against the harmful effects of free radicals. The healing 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, and more specifically, oleic, palmitic, linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids. The plant fruit oil also contains polyunsaturated fatty acids. During skin care, they are absorbed, and then converted to prostaglandins, which are involved in the regenerative processes of tissues.
The main properties and application of rosehip oil:
- Slowing down skin aging. Wild rose oil slows down the aging process of the skin with regular use. It is a light and non-greasy product with a high content of antioxidants, as well as the ability to penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin. Vitamins C and A contained in it, perfectly stimulate the production of collagen, thereby contributing to better protection against wrinkles. The active components of the oil can penetrate into the deeper layers of the epidermis, increase hydration and reduce signs of skin aging.
- Protection against age spots. UV rays of the sun can damage the skin tissue, resulting in age spots. The antioxidants contained in rosehip oil fight free radicals that destroy the skin during tanning. Vitamin A, in combination with oil rich in fatty acids, can help improve skin tone, texture and pigmentation. Seed oil deeply cleanses the skin and helps eliminate redness and irritation. This is a wonderful natural remedy for treating rosacea.
- Helping fight scar reduction after acne. Essential fatty acids can help get rid of scars 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 restoration.
- Help with osteoarthritis. According to a study by the University of Maryland, tea from a 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. The weakening of the inflammatory process can also be observed by adding oil from the rose hips to the bathtub.
- Healthy 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, avoiding the damaging effects 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 ease inflammation, relieves itching and provides good nutrition to the hair follicles.
Rosehip root
The medicinal raw materials used in traditional and traditional medicine are not only the fruits and flowers of the wild rose, but also its root. The main properties of rosehip root for health:
- astringent;
- choleretic;
- bactericidal effect.
A decoction from the root of a wild rose in herbal medicine is used for such ailments as:
- cholelithiasis;
- liver and kidney diseases;
- pancreas and spleen;
- hypertension;
- cardiovascular failure;
- malaria;
- diarrhea;
- anorexia.
A decoction from 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 many beneficial properties of rose hips, and how to brew the fruits of this plant. But only with the correct preparation of tea you can save all the vitamins and minerals of wild rose fruits.
Rose hips are harvested from the bush at the time of 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 (1 tablespoon) should be poured with a glass of hot water (not higher than 60 degrees) and left to insist 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 pan, pour hot boiled water (3 tbsp. Tablespoons per 1 liter of water) and boil for 20 minutes over medium heat. The broth thus obtained should be filtered and mixed with infusion. To improve the taste, honey can be added to the drink.
Tea can be prepared not only from fresh, but also dried rose hips. The medicinal properties and contraindications of this drink allow it to be consumed even by young children. For its preparation, the collected rose hips (preferably in the region of September) should be dried in the oven at a temperature of 75β80 degrees Celsius (this takes about 3 hours). So, dried fruits should be poured with hot (non-boiling) water and left to infuse for several hours. Tea before serving can be slightly warmed up and sweetened with honey.
Wild Rose Syrup
Wild rose syrup is characterized by an original mild taste, it is highly appreciated by culinary experts around the world. It can be diluted with water to create a delicious drink or added to tea, desserts, for example, ice cream.
Medicinal properties of rosehip syrup:
- general strengthening effect on the body;
- It has an antispasmodic, choleretic and mild diuretic effect;
- helps with problems with the gastrointestinal tract, gastric ulcer, duodenal ulcer;
- effective for rheumatism, burns, infectious diseases.
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of wild rose fruit;
- 0.5 kg of sugar;
- 1 lemon
- 2 liters of water.
Training:
- Rinse the rose hips and trim the ends.
- Water, sugar, should be combined with sliced ββlemon and pour into a large saucepan, boil and cook until sugar is completely dissolved.
- In the syrup, you need to add the prepared fruits 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.
- Keep syrup in a cool, dry and dark room.
Taking rosehip syrup, its medicinal properties and contraindications should not be ignored. Due to the high sugar content in the syrup, it is contraindicated in diabetics.
Benefits for women
Due to the content of folic acid and vitamins, the use of juice from the fruits of wild roses is recommended for pregnant women and during feeding.
Drinking tea from wild rose fruit during menopause can positively affect a womanβs body, regulate vitamin deficiency (especially vitamin C), strengthen the circulatory system, and significantly strengthen the immune system. Rosehip brings relief in conditions of increased nervous tension, irritability, anxiety attacks and all mental illnesses associated with the difficult stage of premenopause and menopause.
Benefits for men
Wild rose fruit should be included in your daily diet with decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Useful properties of rose hips for men:
- increased potency;
- body strengthening;
- quick recovery after heavy physical exertion;
- prevention of diseases of the cardiovascular system;
- improved sperm quality;
- normalization of the psychoemotional state.
Contraindications and side effects
In addition to the above medicinal properties of rose hips, contraindications to the use of its fruits are also available:
- Persons with high acidity, gastritis and gastric ulcer should be approached with caution in the treatment of wild rose.
- The plant can not be taken to people with a tendency to thrombosis.
- Long-term administration of drugs from the plant is not recommended, as this can negatively affect the health of the liver. Means from the roots of a wild rose inhibit the outflow of bile.
Sometimes, when taking a plant, vomiting, headache, and also heartburn or sleep disturbances may occur. It is believed that most of these symptoms can be primarily caused by food allergies, which do not pose serious and long-term health effects. However, you should pay attention to the reaction of your body and, in case of alarming symptoms, consult a doctor to take appropriate precautions.