Wild Rose Hips (Rosa canina)

Dog rose is a, native to the Mediterranean, deciduous shrub. The hips are high in antioxidants and they are noted for their high vitamin C level and are used to make syrup, tea and marmalade. Its properties were known since ancient times and it was used by the Greeks, the Persians and the Romans. In 77 AD, the Roman doctor Pliny recorded more than 30 disorders that could be “cured” with dog roses.

Rose hips have large amounts of vitamin C. The discovery of rose hips’ high Vitamin C content occurred during World War II, where the need of citrus fruits was in very high levels. Rose hips also have mild laxative and diuretic properties and can help treat urinary infections. Moreover, the iron content in rose hips makes them an excellent supplement for menstruating women. At last, dog rose hips are good for stomach disorders including stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, preventing stomach irritation and ulcers and as a “stomach tonic” for intestinal diseases.

To produce a decoction of rose hips, boil a cup of water and drop 5-6 hips after boiling. Also, with rose hips you can made fruity marmalades and syrups.