Rose Hips

Rose Hips Benefits

Rose Hips contain a higher volume of vitamin C than citrus fruit, which are also known for their vitamin C content. During World War II, citrus imports to Great Britain were limited. While looking for another way to provide children with the benefits of vitamin C, people found that they could gather and dry rose hips in order to give children the vitamin C supplements they needed. The rose hips were made into a sweet syrup given to youngsters to drink.

After this, people continued to seek a way to get the benefits of vitamin C through the consumption of rose hips. They made rose hips into pill form and began using them in an attempt to treat many illnesses. Vitamin C is known for its immune boosting properties so it is a natural remedy for many ailments.

Studies have shown that rose hips, when taken daily, have benefited patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These patients experienced less joint stiffness and pain, and an overall improved feeling of well-being, while on the supplement for a period of three months or longer. Rose hips are now marketed for generalized joint pain and stiffness and are sold to a wide variety of individuals including athletes and weight trainers. It is said to work better than glucosamine-chondroitin, a popular supplement taken to improve joint health.

There are several other uses for rose hips, some with more validity and support through scientific research than others. These include:

• Fighting some cancers and cardiovascular disease
• Treating colds and flu virus through its immune boosting ability
• Stopping diarrhea
• Reducing symptoms of urinary tract infections
• Battling stomach ailments including stomach spasms, stomach acid deficiency, and preventing ulcers
• Fighting constipation
• Preventing gallstones and some kidney disorders
• Reducing gout flare-ups
• Decreasing fluid retention
• Fighting a variety of chest infections
• Increasing urine flow
• Increasing blood flow

Rose Hips Dosage

The dosage for rose hips in supplement form varies widely depending on a number of factors. These include the reason for taking the supplement, the person’s age, and general health history. Although not regulated by the FDA, rose hips are considered most likely safe in food amounts and possibly safe in medicinal amounts. It is important to always consult a doctor before beginning a supplement regimen and to follow dosing instructions on the packaging carefully. Do not take more than the recommended dosage. Although side effects are rare, they tend to occur when someone takes a dosage that is too high.

Rose Hips Side Effects

While side effects with rose hips are rare and usually mild there are some that you should be aware of before taking the supplement. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, stomach cramps, fatigue, headaches, and sleep issues. The most common side effect is diarrhea due to the diuretic nature of rose hips.

Research has not been done into the safety of rose hips during pregnancy and while breast feeding. Therefore, to be safe, it is best to avoid this supplement while pregnant or breast feeding. There is also no research on its use with children so rose hips should be used only for adults unless otherwise instructed by a doctor.

In some people an allergic reaction can occur by inhaling rose hip dust. Although rare, this can be serious. It also should be noted that many rose hip supplements actually contain large quantities of lab-made vitamin C because much of the vitamin C in the rose hips is lost during the drying and processing routine. Labels may not state this, so consumers should be cautious.

Rose Hips and Possible Drug Interactions

Although also uncommon, there are some potential reactions that can occur when taking rose hip supplements with other drugs and supplements. While not directly related to the rose hips these interactions are related to the amount of vitamin C contained in rose hips. The following should be avoided while taking rose hips:

• Antacids – Antacids contain aluminum in safe amounts because your body normally will not absorb much of it. Vitamin C can cause your body to absorb more of the aluminum which can be serious. If you are using rose hip supplements wait approximately four hours after taking the supplement to take any antacids.
• Estrogen – Vitamin C can affect how much estrogen is absorbed by the body so it is best not to combine the two.
• Lithium – Vitamin C can decrease the body’s ability to get rid of lithium which can cause serious side effects.
• Warfarin (Coumadin) – The effects of this blood thinner can be reduced by large quantities of vitamin C leading to possible blood clots.

When used as directed, and after speaking with a physician, rose hips can be a beneficial supplement to treat a variety of conditions. Although not proven through research for many of these ailments, many people swear by the immune boosting and antioxidant properties of the vitamin C contained in rose hips. Use the free supplement finder to compare rose hips sources right now!