Scientific Name: Rosa canina
Common Name: Wild rose, dogrose, briar rose
Medicinal Uses of Wild Rose
Wild rose has a range of medicinal uses, including immune support, joint health, digestive aid, and skin healing. Many parts of the plant – rose hips, petals, leaves, and roots – are used in herbal medicine. The high vitamin C content of rose hips, along with the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of its bioactive compounds, make wild rose a valuable plant in traditional and modern herbal medicine.
Immune System Support
Rose hips are among the richest natural sources of vitamin C, containing up to 50 times more than citrus fruits by weight. This makes them excellent for boosting the immune system, reducing the severity and duration of colds, and supporting overall health.
To make rose hip tea:
- Harvest ripe rose hips after the first frost, when they are soft and sweet.
- Dry and crush them to preserve their nutrients.
- Simmer on the hob for 10–15 minutes.
- Strain and drink.
Rose hip syrup is another traditional preparation, often given to children to prevent colds and scurvy. The flavonoids in rose hips work synergistically with vitamin C to enhance its effects, making wild rose a potent immune-boosting herb.
Joint Health and Anti-Inflammatory Properties
The seeds of wild rose contain galactolipids, compounds with strong anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have shown that rose hip powder can help reduce joint pain and stiffness in people with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
To use rose hips for joint health:
- Consume rose hip powder daily in smoothies, teas, or capsules.
- Drink rose hip tea regularly to reduce inflammation and improve mobility.
Research suggests that rose hip extracts may work as effectively as some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) but without the associated gastrointestinal side effects. The anti-inflammatory effects also extend to reducing muscle soreness and general inflammation in the body.
Digestive Health
Wild rose has mild astringent properties, which help tone the digestive system and relieve diarrhoea. The pectin and tannins found in rose hips support gut health by improving digestion and regulating bowel movements.
To use for digestion:
- Drink an infusion of rose hips or petals to soothe an upset stomach.
- Use rose hip syrup for mild laxative effects and to support gut flora.
Rose hips also support liver function by promoting detoxification and bile production, making them useful for people with sluggish digestion or liver-related conditions.
Skin Healing and Wound Care
Rose hip oil is widely used in skincare due to its ability to promote skin regeneration, reduce scars, and hydrate dry skin. It is rich in essential fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants that support collagen production and improve skin elasticity.
To use rose hip oil:
- Apply directly to scars, burns, or dry skin for faster healing.
- Mix with a carrier oil for a nourishing facial treatment.
- Use rose petal-infused oil for a gentle and soothing skincare remedy.
Studies suggest that rose hip oil can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles, age spots, and hyperpigmentation, making it a popular ingredient in anti-ageing skincare products.
Cardiovascular Health
The flavonoids, carotenoids, and polyphenols in wild rose support heart health by reducing oxidative stress, lowering blood pressure, and improving circulation. These compounds help strengthen blood vessels and prevent cholesterol buildup.
To use for heart health:
- Drink rose hip tea regularly to support cardiovascular function.
- Take rose hip supplements to lower cholesterol and reduce blood pressure naturally.
Some studies have shown that daily consumption of rose hip extract can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and improve blood flow, which is beneficial for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Urinary Tract and Kidney Health
Wildrose has mild diuretic properties, helping to flush out toxins and support kidney function. It has been traditionally used for urinary tract infections (UTIs) and kidney stones.
To use for urinary health:
- Drink rose hip tea to prevent and relieve UTIs.
- Use a tincture made from leaves or hips for kidney support.
The antimicrobial properties of wild rose also help combat infections in the urinary system, making it a useful natural remedy for overall kidney and bladder health.
Respiratory Health
Rose petals and hips have been used in traditional medicine to relieve symptoms of colds, coughs, and bronchitis. Their soothing properties help reduce inflammation in the respiratory tract and ease breathing difficulties.
To use for respiratory support:
- Gargle with rose petal tea for sore throats.
- Inhale steam infused with rose petals to relieve congestion.
Wild rose also has mild expectorant properties, helping to clear mucus from the lungs and making it useful for conditions such as asthma and chronic bronchitis.
Constituents
Wild rose contains various bioactive compounds, including:
- Vitamin C – Boosts immunity and supports skin health
- Flavonoids – Antioxidant and cardiovascular benefits
- Tannins – Astringent properties that support digestion and wound healing
- Pectin – Supports digestive health and cholesterol regulation
- Carotenoids – Beneficial for eye health
- Galactolipids – Anti-inflammatory properties for joint health
Culinary Uses
From rose-flavoured Turkish delight to delicate rosewater in Middle Eastern and South Asian desserts, wild rose is a popular culinary ingredient:
- Rose hip tea – A vitamin C-rich infusion
- Rose hip syrup – A traditional remedy and natural sweetener
- Rose hip powder – Used in smoothies and herbal remedies
- Rose petal-infused oil – Lightly drizzled over roasted vegetables or grain bowls for a mild, fruity essence
Foraging Notes
Habitat:
Wild rose is commonly found in hedgerows, woodland edges, meadows, and scrubland. It thrives in well-drained soil and prefers sunny locations but can tolerate partial shade.
Sustainability:
Rosa canina is common in temperate regions of Europe, and has been introduced to North America.
Harvesting rose hips, petals, leaves, or roots should be done responsibly. Only take a fraction of what is available in your area, leaving plenty for pollinators, wildlife, and natural regeneration.
When to Harvest:
- Rose hips – Autumn, after the first frost, when they are soft and ripe.
- Flowers – Late spring to early summer when they are fully open and fragrant.
- Leaves – Spring and summer, selecting healthy, vibrant foliage.
- Roots – Autumn or early spring when the plant is dormant.
Key Identifiers:
- Deciduous shrub with arching, thorny stems
- Five-petaled flowers in various shades of pink and white with a mild fragrance
- Small, oval red-orange fruits (rose hips) developing after flowering
- Serrated, compound leaves with an alternate arrangement
Possible Lookalikes:
- Japanese Rose (Rosa rugosa) – Edible and medicinal but has larger, more wrinkled leaves and bigger rose hips.
- Bramble (Rubus fruticosus, Blackberry) – Similar thorny growth but produces edible blackberries instead of rose hips.
Life History:
Wild rose is a hardy, fast-growing shrub that plays a vital role in ecosystems. Its flowers provide nectar for pollinators like bees and butterflies, while its rose hips serve as an essential winter food source for birds and small mammals. The plant spreads through seed dispersal and root suckers, forming dense thickets over time.
Classification:
- Taxonomy: Wild rose belongs to the family Rosaceae, order Rosales, and class Magnoliopsida.
- Etymology: The genus name Rosa comes from the Latin word for rose. The species name canina means “dog-like,” referring to an old belief that the plant’s root could treat rabies.
- Rosa canina translates to “dog rose” or “wild-growing rose.”
Fun Facts:
- Wild rose was historically used as a remedy against rabies, though this has no scientific backing.
- During World War II, the British government encouraged citizens to harvest rose hips for syrup as a vitamin C source.
- Rose petals are edible and often used to flavour syrups, jellies, and desserts.
- Rose hips remain on the plant through winter, providing essential nutrition for wildlife.
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References
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosa_canina https://www.first-nature.com/flowers/rosa-canina.php
