Aches and pains are often more troublesome during the cold, damp winter months.
Liz Chandler from Natures Corner, looks into how the humble rose hip can help
joint mobility as well as improve heart health and immunity.
Rose Hips, or more commonly Dog Rose, became appreciated in Britain under
the blockade of the Second World War, when the population was put to work
to collect them as a valuable vitamin source. Schoolchildren were given rosehip
syrup providing one of the best natural sources of vitamin C, helping to support
their immune systems against infections and the common cold. Today the sugary
rosehip syrup has given way to a more potent blend of rosehip in a capsule
form.
In the last twelve months the interest in rosehips has focused on their use as a pain reliever – particularly pain associated with osteoarthritis. Interest has been fuelled by a recent Scandinavian study that showed a reduction in pain in 82% of people, when they were given rosehip extract for more than three weeks. Those who had the powdered rosehip developed better active movements of the hip, knee and hands and told of a significant reduction in pain, which reduced their dependence on painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs. After three months they experienced a general decrease in disability and stiffness.
It is a little known component of the rosehip called glycoside that exerts
the anti-inflammatory effect. Rosehips also contain vitamins B1, B2, B3, C,
E, K as well as malic acid and numerous flavonoids and proteins. Malic acid
helps to detoxify the body of aluminium and is often used to support people
with fibromyalgia. Rosehips also offer cardiovascular support, by reducing
inflammation of the blood vessels and reducing oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol,
both highly relevant factors in heart disease. The hips of the dog rose contain
between 10 and 50 times the amount of vitamin C of an orange. Used regularly
rosehip can help to build our body’s defence against colds and flu,
catarrh, sore throats and chest infections. Other potential applications include:-
Vitamin C deficiency : Osteoarthritis : Inflammation
Cardiovascular protection : Immune support
Mild gall bladder problems : Kidney and bladder function support
The humble Rose Hip is a very safe herbal remedy, having no known contraindications, drug interactions or side effects. Even today, rosehips still play an important part in the traditional Scandinavian diet, with foods such as rosehip soup and rosehip marmalade.
Liz Chandler, of Natures Corner, Newbury
info@naturescorner.co.uk