Rosehips Materia medica y magica

Botanical Name

  • Rosa spp. (commonly includes Rosa canina, Rosa rubiginosa)

Common Names

  • Rosehips
  • Rose Haws
  • Hipberries
  • Wild Rose Fruit

Flavor

  • Sour

Herbal Energetics

  • Cooling, Drying

Herbal Actions

  • Nutrient-Dense: Rich in vitamins, especially vitamin C, and minerals, supporting overall health and immune function.
  • Astringent: Tones and tightens tissues, making rosehips beneficial for diarrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, and wound healing.
  • Anti-inflammatory: Reduces inflammation, particularly in the joints, skin, and urinary tract.
  • Antioxidant: High in antioxidants, rosehips help protect cells from oxidative stress and support skin health.
  • Immunomodulatory: Supports and modulates the immune system, making rosehips useful for preventing and treating colds, flu, and other infections.
  • Diuretic: Promotes urine production, helping to cleanse the urinary tract and reduce water retention.
  • Mild Laxative: Gentle on the digestive system, rosehips help to relieve mild constipation and improve bowel regularity.

Organ Affinities

  • Immune System: Rosehips are particularly nourishing to the immune system, providing vitamin C and other nutrients that help to prevent and fight infections.
  • Skin: Beneficial for the skin, rosehips help reduce inflammation, promote healing, and support collagen production, making them useful for conditions like acne, eczema, and aging skin.
  • Joints: Their anti-inflammatory properties make rosehips helpful for reducing joint pain and stiffness, particularly in conditions like arthritis.
  • Digestive System: Rosehips support digestive health by toning tissues, promoting regularity, and reducing inflammation in the digestive tract.
  • Urinary Tract: As a diuretic, rosehips help cleanse the urinary tract and reduce inflammation, making them useful for urinary tract infections and other related conditions.

Uses

  • Immune Support: Rosehips are widely used to boost the immune system, particularly in preventing and treating colds, flu, and other infections.
  • Skin Health: Applied topically or taken internally, rosehips promote healthy skin, reduce signs of aging, and support the healing of wounds and inflammatory skin conditions.
  • Joint Health: Used to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints, especially in conditions like osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.
  • Digestive Health: Rosehips help to soothe and tone the digestive tract, relieve constipation, and support overall digestive function.
  • Urinary Health: As a diuretic, rosehips are used to cleanse the urinary tract, reduce water retention, and alleviate symptoms of urinary tract infections.

Preparation and Dosage

  • Decoction: Boil then simmer 1-2 tablespoons of dried rosehips per 2-3 cups of water for 20-30 minutes. Strain and drink 1-2 cups daily to support immune function, joint health, or urinary health.
  • Syrup: Rosehip syrup can be made by simmering the hips in water, straining, and adding honey or sugar. Take 1-2 teaspoons daily for immune support, especially during cold and flu season.
  • Tincture: Take 2-4 ml of a 1:5 tincture in 25% alcohol, 2-3 times daily for immune support, joint health, or skin care.
  • Powder: Rosehip powder can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or other foods. A typical dose is 1-2 teaspoons daily for its nutrient-rich benefits.

Contraindications

  • Iron Overload: Individuals with hemochromatosis (excess iron) should use rosehips cautiously, as their high vitamin C content may enhance iron absorption.
  • Kidney Stones: Those prone to kidney stones should use rosehips with caution due to their high vitamin C content, which can increase oxalate levels in the urine.
  • Allergies: Individuals allergic to members of the Rosaceae family should avoid using rosehips.

Materia magica

  • Love and Beauty: Rosehips are often used in love spells and rituals to attract love, enhance beauty, and deepen relationships.
  • Healing and Protection: Rosehips are believed to offer protective energies and are used in healing rituals to support physical and emotional recovery.
  • Prosperity and Abundance: They are associated with abundance and can be used in rituals to attract prosperity, health, and good fortune.
  • Youth and Vitality: Rosehips are used in rituals to promote vitality, youthfulness, and longevity, often connected to their rich vitamin content.
  • Planet: Venus - Rosehips are associated with Venus, the planet of love, beauty, and harmony, aligning with their role in promoting skin health, love, and emotional well-being.
  • Zodiac Sign: Taurus and Libra - Aligns with Taurus and Libra, signs ruled by Venus, emphasizing themes of love, beauty, and balance, reflecting rosehips' ability to promote health, vitality, and emotional harmony.
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