Rosehips
Rosehips plant is a member of the rose family, Rosaceae. This plant is native to the Great Britain, Europe and north Africa. Rosehips plant is a permanent climbing species of the rose family. This plant grows up to a maximum height of 10 feet or around 3 meters. Few plants grow even longer. Rosehips plants have hooked thorns on the stem. These stems help the plants in climbing. The leaves of this plant are pinnate and have saw-like edges. Each of these leaves have two to three pairs of jagged leaflets. Rosehips leaves exhibit an excellent scent when crushed. The flowers of this plant are pink or white in color. These flowers measure about 4 cm to 6 cm in diameter. The Rosehips flower has five petals. These flowers develop into fruits known as hips. Rosehips flowers are extremely aromatic and attract many insects. These attractive fruits are reddish-orange in color. Rosehips fruits are pleasant and have plenty of medicinal values.
Latin Name: Rosa Canina.
Alternative Names: Dog Brier, Dog Rose, Hip Rose, Wild Brier.
Forms Available: Hips, leaves, flowers, essential oil, tonic.
Rosehips plant is found growing in temperate climatic zones of Asia and northern Africa. This plant is generally found in hedgerows, meadows, a row of bushes forming a hedge, pastures, thickets and wasteland. Rosehips plant prefers damp and heavy clay soils. This plant grows well in full sun, but can tolerate partial shade. Rosehips plant does not bear flowers and fruits and hence, is often grown in dark areas. This plant can also withstand marine climatic conditions. This plant grows well as a companion plant with lupins, mignonette, parsley and alliums. Rosehips plant contains carotenoids, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins C, A, B1, B2, B3 and K, tannins, volatile oil, invert sugar, vanillin, phosphorus, pectin, organic acids, plant acids, calcium, citrates, citric acid, iron, malates, malic acid and niacin. This herb has astringent, tonic, aperient, refrigerant, pectoral, nutrient, aperient, laxative and diuretic properties.
Medicinal benefits: This herb acts as an excellent blood purifier. It purifies blood that passes through lungs and helps in controlling blood disorders that occur due to impurities of the blood. Rosehips herb is proved to treat deficiency of Vitamin C in children. Rheumatic complaints, influenza, chest congestion, cold, dysentery, cough, headache, uterine cramps, toothaches, mouth sores, gonorrhea and dizziness are also treated with the natural powers of this herb. Rosehips play a vital role in the treatment of internal hemorrhaging, spitting of blood, disorders of the breast, excessive menstruation, fluid retention and gout. This herb also helps in eliminating uric acid accumulations, building strength when convalescing, invigorating the tired body, strengthening the heart and nerves. It is also used as a tonic for the cardiac system and the nervous system.
