Suggested dosing of Rosa canina (rose hips)
Supplement
500-750 mg/d, preferably with meals
Tea
Steep 2-2.5 grams of the crushed rose hips in 150 mL boiling water for 10-15 min, then strain liquid before ingesting
No limits are placed on amounts of rose hip tea that may be consumed per day
Suggested uses of Rosa canina (rose hips)
Rich source of Vitamin C, with about 1700-2000 mg per 100 g in dried product
Remedy for rheumatoid arthritis
Reduces symptoms of knee & hip osteoarthritis
Helps the immune system to fight off foreign invaders & out of control cells
Facilitates fat metabolism
Protects tissues from free radical damage
Assists the nervous system by converting certain amino acids into neurotransmitters
Prevents scurvy
Protects joints and connective tissues
Protects adrenal function
Ability to prevent urinary bladder infections, & assist in treating dizziness & headaches
Used externally in oil form to restore firmness to skin by nourishing & astringing tissue
Brewed into a decoction, can also be used to treat constipation
Rose hips contain lots of iron, rose hip tea is used during menstruation to make up for iron loss
Rosa canina (rose hips) adverse (side) effects
Frequency not defined
Kidney stones
Warnings
Contraindications
Sickle cell anemia
Cautions
Headache
Heartburn
Insomnia
Nausea
Pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy category: unknown
Lactation: safe
Pregnancy categories
A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.
B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.
C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.
D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.
X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.
NA: Information not available.
Pharmacology of Rosa canina (rose hips)
Metabolism: N/A
Excretion: N/A
Mechanism of action
Antioxidant, unique water-soluble nutrient able to scavenge certain types of free radicals before they have a chance to damage lipids and other cellular components
Shown to work along side of vitamin E, a fat-soluble antioxidant, and the enzyme glutathione peroxidase to stop the free radical chain reactions from getting out of hand
