Wellness Encyclopedia: Benefits of Rose Hips & DIY Tea

Valentine’s Day is next week, and what better way to show yourself some love than by giving yourself a bunch of roses?

Even better, these roses support your health in the most gorgeous way, boiling down to a lovely red liquid sweetened with a hint of honey and a round of vitamin C-rich citrus. Who needs chocolates? If you’ve ever walked down a beach path bordered by sweet-smelling beach roses, you’ve likely seen what’s left behind when those roses reach their prime: hard, round rose hips! Surprisingly, these pretty accessory fruits of rose bushes aren’t just for lobbing at your friends when you’re ten years old (or 34… guilty), they’re packed with benefits that could support digestion, give you beautiful skin, and even stave off that bug that’s going around. Read on to learn more!

What are rose hips?

Despite appearances, rose hips aren’t the seeds of the rose bush. They’re actually an accessory fruit, similar to strawberries and pineapples. Roses themselves are native to parts of Asia, with some species coming from North America and Europe. While all species of roses have the ability to produce rose hips, the hips only form once the flower is pollinated, so varieties that feature layer upon layer of petal are less likely to produce the fruit. This is why beach roses and common garden roses are so often weighed down by hips – fewer petals make it easier for the bees to do their job!

What are the benefits of rose hips?

Naturally rich in vitamin C, rose hips and the rose hip seed oil produced from them, could support healthy skin and immune function. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that encourages cell renewal, aiding in skin health, and bolsters immunity – especially important during these flu-ridden winter months! The high levels of antioxidants present in rose hips could prevent or decrease inflammation, aiding in whole-body health. Acids present in rose hips could support healthy digestion by breaking down food and facilitating its passage through the system.

How to use rose hips:

Rose hips are used for everything from beauty products to jams. When steeped, they produce a beautiful rose-colored liquid that blends easily with fruit and other herbal teas. Below, learn how to make your own DIY Rose Hip tea to support beauty from the inside out:

DIY Rose Hip Tea

Ingredients

5 tbsp dried rose hips (available at most health food stores)

5 cups filtered water

Raw honey

Orange slices

Method

Place rose hips and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Pour into cups and add honey and orange slices. Enjoy!

 

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Oh gosh, I love how rose hips look! They’d be so Instagrammable as well, haha! ❤️❤️

Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com

6 years ago

Love rose tea and rose lattes, just had one this morning with rose petals decorated on the top and it did not disappoint! :) lovely post!

x
StephC
http://sstephcc.blogspot.com/