Rosehips - Rosa rugosa

Alternative names: Rosa

Parts used: Flowers, fruits, seeds

Actions and qualities: The fruits and seeds are antioxidant and vitamin rich. The fruits are antispasmodic, mood lifting, fever reducing, diuretic and laxative. 

Specific uses: Rosehips can be added to desserts, jams, vinegars and infused into honey. It is commonly added to oils, slaves, poultices, and baths. The fruits and seeds are commonly used to make a facial serum due to their high beta carotene content.

Contraindications: There have been some side effects reported such as nausea, headache and dizziness in large amounts. Pregnant and nursing mothers should consult a physician before use.

History and lore: It is a long held symbol of Aphrodite, the goddess of love, thought to represent self-love and divine love. The flowers were sometimes hung in garlands to help prevent drunkenness. In the great depression era, a tea made from the hips was very common as it was a cheap, readily available source of Vitamin C and other essential vitamins.