Last week on a countryside walk I found some rose hips. The fruit of the rose plant, well recognised because of its beautiful red colour popular in Christmas decorations.
Rosehip is a fruit with many uses: in cooking, medicine, skincare products. Birds like it too.
You can make a jelly, sauce or tea with rosehips, or even eat them raw (best to soak them first though).
It is high in Vitamins C and A and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It is popular in complementary medications for arthritis, helping to reduce pain and inflammation. Due to its variety of antioxidants rosehips can be a good cancer and cardiovascular disease preventative. Rosehip can also help to fight off any infections. It has been known for its beneficial effects in skin treatments too.
I have been using rosehip oil in my skincare products for oily and combination skin but also for mature and sensitive skin. This is a very versatile oil with astringent properties but also hydrating to keep the moisture in. Rosehip oil is great as it is absorbed by the skin rapidly and does not leave any fatty residue.
Rosehips are high in trans-retinoic acid (a natural precursor of Vitamin A) which helps to heal wounds and scars and to keep the skin elastic and nourished. That is why it works very well in recipes for acne but also for mature skin to protect from fine lines and wrinkles. Rosehip oil has also very good levels of Omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids that are critical for the health of our cell membranes and tissues.
Rosehip is very healing for damaged skin, so it is very good in after sun products.
Rosehips are in season now so to enhance the health of the skin it is good to drink rosehip tea regularly. Use fresh or dried rose hips and steep in a cup of boiling water for about 10 – 15 minutes.
We love roses for their smell and beauty. Let’s remember about their full of nutrients fruit too!
