Wild rose (Latin Rosa canina )
Family: rosaceae ( Latin rosaceae )
Genus: rose (Latin rosa )
Species: wild rose (Latin Rosa canina )
Other names: dog rose, field rose, thorn rose, chin
Raw material: whole rosehip fruit
Plant description:
Wild rose is a shrub of the rose family. It occurs in a temperate climate almost all over Europe, in the north of Africa, Asia and Australia. The shrub itself reaches a height of about 3 m, but its climbers can grow up to 10-12 m. The stem of the wild rose is covered with tiny spines. The leaves are oval, small, toothed. The flowers have five pink petals with yellow stamens in the center. Oval, orange or red fruits are characteristic and contain a dozen or so seeds inside. It is the fruit that is the raw material used in herbal medicine.
Properties and traditional use of rosehips:
Rosehips contain many ingredients. First of all, they are a rich source of vitamin C and routine. Therefore, drinking rose tea is recommended to assist with colds or flu. In addition, rosehips contain lycopene, which gives them their color. It has properties that strengthen the immune system and slow down the aging process. Polyphenols, flavonoids and anthocyanins have a positive effect on the work of the heart and the functioning of the circulatory system. And pectins improve the digestive system, regulate bowel movements, and help with constipation and indigestion. There are also tannins in rosehips, vitamin A, B1, B2, E, K and folic acid. The fruit also contains essential oil, which is a very popular raw material used in perfumery and the cosmetics industry.
In traditional medicine, rose hip extract was used primarily as a natural immunity-enhancing agent to help with diaphoretic processes.
Rosehip is also often used in the kitchen. Its fruit is used to prepare jams, preserves, juices and tinctures.
Contraindications to the use of rosehips:
Caution should be exercised during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Before use, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Sources:
https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/R%C3%B3%C5%BCa_dzika
https://rozanski.li/2215/owoc-dzikiej-rzy-fructus-rosae/
