Rose Hip Tea

Rose hip tea is an herbal infusion prepared from rose hips, the fruit of the rose plant. Though all species of rose hip is used in making tea, the ones rich in Vitamin C includes Rosa canina and Rosa rugosa, giving the tea an added nutritional value.

History and Origin

The usage of rose hip dates back to the era of the Chinese and Roman civilizations, where its decoction was used for medicinal purposes to cure several ailments of the digestive system and kidney. During the Second World War, as importing citrus fruits had become difficult, rose hips were harvested as an alternative source of Vitamin C.

Health benefits of rose hip tea: What is it good for

Rich source of Vitamin C

Having a high content of Vitamin C, 50% greater than oranges, this herbal tea helps in boosting our immune system. It even assists the body in building collagen, an essential constituent in the framework of the bones and muscles of our body.

Good for weight loss

This tea has only 0.7% of the daily value of sugar, aiding in reducing the extra calories, also being a good option for people with diabetes.

Useful for treating arthritis

Being a good source of Vitamin A and B, this tea has certain anti-inflammatory properties that makes it useful in lessening the symptoms of gout and rheumatoid arthritis such as swelling and joint pain. Researches have shown that this infusion is safer than the non-steroidal drugs used to treat inflammation as it does not irritate the digestive tract, lessening risks of ulcers.

In a study conducted in 2007, the anti-inflammatory properties of rose hip extracts were confirmed by showing the positive results it provided to patients suffering from joint pain [16].

Aids in digestion

The presence of ascorbic, malic and citric acid helps in calming your stomach, also facilitating digestion. Taking a cup of this fruity flavored tea will give relief from bloating, stomach cramps, ulcers, and cystitis because of its anti-inflammatory properties.

Sedative properties

Its mild sedative and anti-depressant properties help in relieving fatigue and stress also promoting a proper night’s sleep.

Helpful for kidney ailments

Rose hip and hibiscus tea can be blended to treat several urinary tract and kidney disorders as both act as mild diuretics, helping in preventing water retention.

Beneficial for cold

Its rich Vitamin C content makes it useful for treating cold and flu, also giving relief by clearing mucous congestion in the respiratory tract, aiding in proper breathing. Before the onset of winter drinking this tea along with its seeds three to four times every day for at least two weeks will keep you away from flu.

Regulates bowel movements

The rose hip tea acts as a mild laxative because of several fruit acids present in it, beneficial in treating constipation and other bowel disorders.

Lowers cholesterol

Its high content of pectin is helpful in eliminating the fat and cholesterol before they get absorbed into the blood. Therefore, apart from reducing the extra carbs, it also assists in regulating blood pressure.

Studies show that people with obesity saw a marked reduction in their cholesterol and blood pressure levels on drinking a decoction made from rose hip powder daily for six weeks.

Good heart health

The presence of Vitamin P helps in functioning of the capillaries, balancing blood circulation. Therefore, it lessens the risks of certain conditions affecting the heart, like thrombosis, clotting, and aneurism.

For liver

As it has the ability in increasing bile secretion, consumption of this tea will be a good remedy for people suffering from liver disorders.

Cancer preventive properties

Containing  antioxidants like polyphenol, flavonoid, carotenoid, catechin and leucoanthocyanin, drinking this infusion will help in combating free radicals in our body, minimizing risks of certain cancers, mainly of the prostate. Hibiscus tea too has a lot of cancer preventive properties. Thus, a mixture of both of them may be effective in fighting against malignant cells.

Relieves menstrual pain

The high amount of iron present in this caffeine-free tea makes it effective in making up for the blood loss during a menstrual cycle. Consuming this tea will also help in regulating the hormonal levels and relieving certain premenstrual symptoms such as pains and cramps.

Other uses of rose hip tea

Good for skin

Being a rich source of Vitamin A, drinking this fruit tea will help in regenerating and toning damaged skin cells, lessening the chances of wrinkle formation. Its astringent properties rehydrate your skin, thus retaining the moisture in it. When applied externally it helps in healing wounds, burns, and skin allergies.

Beneficial for your eyes

As it is high in Vitamin A, this tea is good for the eyesight, especially for elderly people. Applying it externally on your eyes will help to get rid of swelling and dark circles.

For your hair

Rinsing your hair with rose hip tea will add shine and gloss to it. It can also be used as a hair dye to increase the redness of your natural red hair.

How to make rose hip tea

You can make rose hip tea from fresh or dried leaves.

• Take one to two tablespoon of freshly cut rose hips with or without the seeds or two teaspoons of dried rose hips. You may also add a tablespoon of dried hibiscus flower if you wish to combine both the herbs.
• Add it to a cup of boiling water.
• Steep it for about fifteen minutes.
• Strain the mixture.
• You may add honey or peppermint leaves to give this tangy-flavored tea a sweet or minty taste.
• If you desire to make ice tea, refrigerate it till it gets chilled. Lemon may be added for a better taste.

Safety Information: Are there any side effects

Overconsumption might result in nausea, headaches, dizziness, vomiting and stomach problems. Moreover, if you are diabetic or on any long-term prescription medication, it is better to consult your health care provider prior to drinking this tea.

Use during pregnancy

Though rose hip tea is high in Vitamin C and iron, which is highly required for expecting women, its consumption during pregnancy should be avoided because of insufficient research.

In spite of being considered safe for breastfeeding, nursing mothers should also have this tea only if approved by their doctor.

Where to buy

Rose hip tea can be purchased online or in stores selling herbal tea. You can find a lot of variations of this tea like rose hip and hibiscus tea or rose hip and peach tea.