Rose hips are the edible and nutritious fruit of the rose plant, the smooth skin of the hip is first green, then turns shades of orange and when fully ripe, a deep red but might be dark purple to black in some species. Among the species of rose particularly valued for the hips are Rosa rugosa, known as Japanese rose.

Vitamin Content: Rose hips are rich in Vitamin C (about 1700-2000 mg per 100g in the dried form) A, D and E and flavonoids. It also contains essential fatty acids which are involved in tissue regeneration and retinoic acid, responsible for skin rejuvenation and quickens the healing of skin damage. The vitamin content of the hips varies depending on the species, the growing environments, climate, manner of harvest, and the care taken in drying and storage. The hips of roses grown in cooler climates have been found to have a higher content of vitamin C.

Health Benefits of Rose hips:

Internal:

• Use regularly as food supplement (about 6-8 fresh hips taken daily), rose hip will help prevent and cure ailments such as: rheumatoid arthritis, urinary bladder infections, constipation, chronic diarrhea, gastritis, dizziness, infertility and to regulate kidney function.
• Rose hip tea is also rich in iron that is why women drink rose hip tea during their menstrual period, to replace the blood during menstruation.
• Rose hip tea, taken following a course of antibiotic therapy, will help re-establish the beneficial bacteria in the digestive system. Because the natural balance of the intestinal flora may be disrupted or destroyed by the action of antibiotic drugs.
• Rose hip tea can also soothe the nervous system and relieve exhaustion.
• The pectin and fruit acid content of the seeds have a laxative and mildly diuretic effect.

External:

• Rose hip oil is normally classified as an essential oil. It does not need to be diluted before being use on the skin as most essential oils. Rose hip oil has an excellent skin regeneration properties, it is commonly used externally to fight wrinkles, restore firmness to skin, heal wounds, skin diseases (psoriasis, eczema, etc), reduce scars, prevent the formation of keloid and as a remedy for sun damaged skin.
• The essential oil of rose used in aromatherapy, has a relaxing effect, which is helpful in dispelling depression and stress. The species generally used for oil distillation is a hybrid of R.centifolia and R. gallica. Pregnant women should avoid using essential oil.

Uses of Rose hips: A variety of products using rose hips are now available in the market, this includes; tea, jam, jelly, marmalade, wine, beverages, bread, essential oil, syrups, perfumes, lotion, etc. Rose hips are also use as food supplement to horses. The dried and powdered form can be fed at a maximum of 1 tablespoon per day to help increase coat condition and help with new hoof growth.