Rose Hips / Vitamin C

Rose Hips are the ripe, fresh or dried seed receptacle of various species of the genus Rosa, which includes Rosa canina (Dog Rose), Rosa centifolia (Cabbage Rose), Rosa damascena (Damask Rose), Rosa eglanteria (Sweet Briar), Rosa gallica (Red Rose), Rosa rubirinova (Rose Mosqueta), and Rosa rugosa (Japanese Rose). Rose Hips contains Vitamin C, Beta Carotene, Thiamine, Riboflavin, Vitamins E and K, Polyphenols, Bioflavonoids, Tannin, Pectin, and Vanillin. When World War II precluded British citizens from obtaining citrus, they used Rose Hips as a Vitamin C supplement. Rose Hips are a mild diuretic, laxative and astringent. Rose Hips are useful for colds and flu, general debility and exhaustion, constipation, infections and bladder problems. Rose Hip tea is especially good for diarrhea.

Vitamin C is a plant vitamin, occurring to some degree in almost all plants. The body neither makes nor stores vitamin C; a continuous supply must be provided in the food we eat. Normal body cell functioning requires ascorbic acid, as does the formation of healthy collagen (the basic protein of connective tissue), bones, teeth, cartilage, skin, and capillary walls. Vitamin C also promotes the body's effective use of other nutrients, such as iron, B vitamins, vitamins A and E, calcium, and certain amino acids. By promoting the formation of strong connective tissue, it helps to heal wounds and burns. Stress, fever, and infection increase the body's need for vitamin C. Scurvy is a vitamin C deficiency disease. Ascorbic acid is water-soluble and is sensitive to air, heat, light, alkalis, and copperware.