Rosaceae
Rosehip
Rosa canina
✓ Generally Safe
Safe in Pregnancy
Native to: Europe, Western Asia, North Africa
Also known as: Dog Rose, Wild Rose, Brier Hip, Hip Tree
Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA
Parts Used
Fruit
Therapeutic Uses
Vitamin C deficiency, immune support, osteoarthritis (GOPO — clinical RCTs reduce pain and stiffness), kidney stone prevention (diuretic), cardiovascular protection, diarrhea (tannins).
Herbal Actions
Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (GOPO), nutritive, mild diuretic, astringent, immunostimulant
Active Constituents
Vitamin C (400–2000mg/100g — one of richest plant sources), carotenoids (beta-carotene, lycopene), flavonoids (quercetin, rutin), GOPO (galactolipid — anti-inflammatory), tannins, pectin
Preparation Methods
☕ Herbal Tea🏺 Tincture💊 Capsule
Traditional Preparation Notes
| Herbal Tea | 1–2 tsp dried hips per 250ml, simmer 10 min, 2–3x daily |
| Tincture | Standardized powder: 5–10g daily for arthritis (clinical dose for GOPO studies) |
| Notes | Remove seeds before use (irritant hairs). Simmer hips to release vitamin C. GOPO (LitoZin): 2500mg rosehip powder 2x daily — specific for osteoarthritis. Vitamin C destroyed by boiling — steep only for vitamin C. |
Safety Information
Safety Rating
✓ Generally Safe
Pregnancy
Safe in Pregnancy
Drug Interactions
Possible — consult doctor
Contraindications: Caution with warfarin at high doses (vitamin K in seeds). Renal oxalate stone risk at very high vitamin C doses. Avoid seeds (hair irritation).
Side Effects: GI upset at high doses (vitamin C). Diarrhea. Seed hairs cause mechanical GI irritation if not removed. Otherwise very safe.