Rose hips's therapeutic uses
Rose hips, the seed pods of wild rose plants, are recognized for their therapeutic uses, primarily as a natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids. Traditionally, they have been utilized for various health conditions, including arthritis, colds, indigestion, and even bladder stones. The therapeutic benefits of rose hips largely stem from their anti-inflammatory properties, which may alleviate joint inflammation and potentially slow cartilage breakdown in conditions like osteoarthritis. Additionally, they may offer pain relief post-surgery and support those with chronic pain, such as back pain.
Rose hip oil is noted for its skin benefits, promoting elasticity and aiding in wound healing. While some studies suggest that rose hips might help with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, further research is needed to solidify these claims. There is also weak evidence indicating their potential role in cancer prevention and kidney stone management. Importantly, rose hips are considered safe for consumption, with no known safety issues reported. This combination of benefits positions rose hips as a valued natural remedy for various health concerns, appealing to those who prefer natural health products.
Rose hips's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Natural source of vitamin C and bioflavonoids
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Cancer prevention, kidney stones (prevention), osteoarthritis, anti-inflammatory, pain, skin health
Overview
A rose hip is the seed pod of a wild rose plant. Various wild rose species can be utilized as sources of rose hips. Traditionally, rose hips have been used to treat arthritis, colds and flu, indigestion, bladder stones, and gonorrhea.
Therapeutic Dosages
Therapeutic dosages of rose hips products are generally adjusted to supply the desired amount of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
Therapeutic Uses
Rose hips are used primarily as a natural source of vitamin C. There is no evidence that the vitamin C in rose hips is any better than synthetic vitamin C (the most common form). Still, those who prefer to use truly natural products can do so by using the herb instead of the chemical. Like other plant sources of vitamin C, rose hips also contain substances in the bioflavonoid family. Both of these two rose hips constituents offer well-documented benefits. Rose hips have shown promise in helping relieve pain following surgery, and their high concentration of vitamin C may be useful in treating kidney stones.
Rose hips are also proposed to have other therapeutic uses. Their anti-inflammatory properties may decrease joint inflammation and slow cartilage breakdown, suggesting potential effectiveness in treating conditions like osteoarthritis. Beyond surgery recovery, rose hips may also help manage pain associated with chronic conditions such as back pain. Rose hip oil offers valuable skin benefits, including promoting elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and aiding wound healing. Additionally, the antioxidant power of rose hips may enhance immunity and protect against infections.
Scientific Evidence
Some evidence from relatively small, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies suggests that rose hips might have value for osteoarthritis. More studies are needed to draw reliable conclusions. In at least one placebo-controlled trial, rose hips powder appeared to have modest benefits for patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Weak evidence hints that whole rose hips might be useful for the prevention of cancer and, possibly, treatment or prevention of kidney stones. As the twenty-first century progressed, more clinical study of rose hips did occur; however, most study findings confirmed indications of previous known health benefits. Rose hips were also studied for their antioxidant properties.
Safety Issues
There are no known or suspected safety issues with rose hips.
Bibliography
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Mármol, Inés, et al. "Therapeutic Applications of Rose Hips from Different Rosa Species." International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 18, no. 6, 25 May 2017, p. 1137, doi.org/10.3390/ijms18061137. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Miller, Kelli. "Rosehip: Uses and Risks." WebMD, 3 Sept. 2023, www.webmd.com/vitamins-and-supplements/rosehip-uses-and-risks. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Nađpal, Jelena D., et al. "Comparative Study of Biological Activities and Phytochemical Composition of Two Rose Hips and Their Preserves: Rosa Canina L. and Rosa Arvensis Huds." Food Chemistry, vol. 192, 2016, pp. 907-14, doi:10.1016/j.foodchem.2015.07.089.
"Rose Hip." MedlinePlus, 25 Aug. 2023, medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/839.html. Accessed 19 Sept. 2024.
Rossnagel, K., S. Roll, and S. N. Willich. "The Clinical Effectiveness of Rosehip Powder in Patients with Osteoarthritis." MMW Fortschritte der Medizin, vol. 149, 2007, pp. 51-56.
Willich, S. N., et al. "Rose Hip Herbal Remedy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis." Phytomedicine, vol. 17, no. 2, 2010, pp. 87-93.