At the end of every year I look forward to reminiscing about all the things, good and not so good, that were in my life over the past 12 months. I like to mentally and physically purge what is not needed and make lists of everything that I wish to bring with me in the coming months. This year, at the very top of my list is none other than Rosehips.

How can a little-known part of a plant make it to my top ten, you ask? When you think of a rose typically images of beautiful, fragrant flowers come to mind. A romantic gesture or thoughtful gift. The energetics of the plant and flower itself have healing properties for the heart. But, the rose has powerful medicinal value that comes from the fruit of the plant, called the hip.

Not only are these fruits high in vitamin C, they contain large amounts of carotenoids and antioxidants that have been shown to be beneficial in a variety of disease states such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity. In fact, one study showed that daily doses of rose hips in obese patients can lower the risk of heart disease by controlling blood pressure.[1]

Sound intriguing but don’t know where to start? You can harvest your own rose hips if you have rose bushes in your yard (just be sure they are not sprayed with pesticides as these residues are difficult to wash off). Autumn is the best time to gather, well after blooms have developed and the hips are a bright red color. You can Cut them directly under the hip, cut in half and dry in the sun. Use them to make a delicious, astringent tea that is a gorgeous red color and high in vitamin C. 

Not into foraging your own? We have got you covered in our Happy GLOW tea and as an exfoliant in our Face Cleansing powder. 

[1] Andersson U, Berger K, Högberg A, Landin-Olsson M, Holm C. (2012) Effects of rose hip intake on risk markers of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition 66(5):585-90