Plant Profile: Rosehip

Botanical Overview

Latin Name: Rosa, spp.

Plant Family: Rosacae

Identification: Rosehips are one of the more easy plants to identify, as most folks have seen a rosebush in their life. With over 100 species of roses in the world, locating a rosebush is a perfect foraging item for first time foragers. Rose bushes have prickely stems, with leaves that are divided up the stems of the rose, putting off different colored flowers during their blooming season. While rose petals have their own uses, the real prize is the deep red “hips” which start appearing in Autumn. These rosehips are the fruit of the rose, with fuzzy seeds on the inside.

Folk Names: Rose, rosa, witch’s briar, dog rose

Chemical constituents: Rosehips contain Tannins, flavonoids, pectin, Vitamins A, B, C, E, K and folic acid. As well contains calcium, potassium, sodium, sulphur, and iron.

Plant Uses

Edibility: Rosehips can be eaten raw, however make sure that you avoid the “hairy seeds”. Processing out the internal seeds is one of the most labor-intensive processes but can lead to a delicious treat. The seeds are not poisonous, however it does cause some digestive discomfort and… itchiness when coming out the other end (if you understand what I’m saying). Rosehips can be made into a syrup, crystallized in sugar for a candy, or used in a tea. Another common use for rosehips is in jelly, due to their high pectin content.

Health Benefits: Rosehips have been used for food and medicine throughout history, at one point in time the UK government created a national week during World War II for everyone to go gather rosehips to create syrups. The reason for this is seen in their chemical makeup, but most importantly known for the high content of vitamin C. Rosehips are said to have more vitamin C than an orange. Rosehips also contain antibacterial and anti-inflammatory components and is considered an astringent. These qualities also make rosehip beneficial as a beauty product in face serums, cleansers, and moisturizers. Rosehips have been used to treat different ailments such as sore throat, bleeding gum, cold and flu, skin inflammation and other challenges (such as eczema).

Other Properties

Rosehip, associated with rose is well known as a symbol for love and fertility. The feminine energy of the plant offers comfort, while the thorns of the plant display its powerful protective qualities. Rosehip is a powerful symbol of how nurturing and protection go hand in hand.

Resources:

Nyerges, Christopher (2017) Foraging Washington: Finding, identifying and preparing edible wild foods

Anderson, George (2019) Raw rosehip syrup: how to make and use https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/blog/2019/07/raw-rosehip-syrup/#:~:text=The%20history%20of%20rosehip%20syrup&text=During%20World%20War%20II%2C%20a,bottles%20of%20commercially%20produced%20syrup