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Wild Rose Hips
Common name(s): Multiflora rose, rambler rose (Rosa multiflora)
Rugosa rose, Japanese rose, beach rose (Rosa rugosa)
Botanical name: Rosa spp., Rosa multiflora, Rosa rugosa
Family: Rosaceae (Rose)
The Rosaceae family is characterized by regular flowers with five petals, five sepals, and numerous
stamens. The leaves are generally oval and serrated. Other members of the Rose family include:
strawberries, raspberries, apples, cherries, almonds peaches, plums and hawthorne.
Habitat: Wild Roses grow throughout the northern hemisphere with many native and introduced species
present throughout North America. Multiflora grows in temperate regions of the US and is found in old
agricultural fields, pastures, and edges of woods. Rugosa is found largely around sandy locations of the
east coast. There are thousands of cultivars.
Parts Used: Fruit (rosehips), flower, buds, leaves, inner bark
Collection: Hips are harvested when red and ripe after the petals have fallen off. Rosehips can be
collected well into the winter and taste better after the frost. Be mindful of thorns while collecting.
Rosehips dry easily spread out thinly on a non-metal screen, in baskets or on paper. While drying hips
should be occasionally stirred to ensure even, mold free drying. Once dry, hips are somewhat shriveled
and hard.
Preparations: Many! Eaten fresh, tea, tincture, syrup, jam/jelly, conserve, elixir, infused in honey, infused
in vinegar, wine, poultice
Nutritional Information: Very high in Vitamin C, polyphenols and bioflavanoids. Also contains: vitamins A,
B1, B2, B3, K and E, selenium, niacin, zinc, carotenoids, and pectin.
Ecological Importance: Although disliked and fought against by many humans our wild roses are
important protectors of overworked land (old agricultural fields), soil stabilizers, wildlife food and shelter,
and a nectar plant
History: Rose species have been found in the fossil record from 35 million years ago. Roses have been
cultivated by humans for thousands of years; some accounts say the first cultivation was 5,000 years ago
in China. People throughout history have been fascinated with roses; they have been found in the tombs of
Egyptian Pharaohs, were used as a form of currency in 18th century Europe and were widely used for food,
medicine and tools by the first people of North America. Multiflora was introduced from Japan in 1866 as a
rootstock for ornamentals and was widely planted in the 1930’s for erosion control and wildlife habitat.
Rugosa was brought to the US from the Far East to hybridize with ornamentals for disease resistance and
planted for erosion control.
Hearts starve as well as bodies; give us bread, but give us roses.
James Oppenheim, “Bread and Roses”
But he that dares not grasp the thorn Should never crave the rose.
Anne Bronte
Over 
Taste/Impression: Sour, sweet, astringent
Energetics: Cool, dry. Considered warm from the TCM and Ayurvedic perspective, most likely due to its
moving properties.
Primary Actions: Astringent, anti-inflammatory, relaxant nervine, aphrodisiac, antimicrobial, antioxidant,
refrigerant, mood elevator, blood mover
System Affinity: Immune, digestive, reproductive, heart/circulatory, nervous, emotional. In TCM: bladder,
kidney, large intestine
Indications: Rosehips are often indicated for conditions were cooling, soothing, drying and/or movement
are needed. Colds/flus, sore inflamed throats, sinus congestion, runny nose. Inflammation, arthritis,
injuries, muscoskeletal pain. Wounds, infections, bites (bug or animal), rashes, hemorrhoids. High blood
pressure, poor circulation, hot flashes, heart palpitations, blood tonic. Pelvic congestion, scanty menses,
cramps, water retention, vaginal infections, UTI’s, sexual dysfunction, low libido. Diarrhea, constipation,
gastric inflammation, burning in stomach. Depression, tension, anxiety, nervousness, anger, irritability,
stress, grief. In TCM indicated for regulating qi, promoting circulation, stabilize kidneys (retain essence and
urine), bind intestines, stops diarrhea.
Dosage: Considered a safe food, rose hips are a medium to high dose botanical. Exact dosage will
depend on the preparation and the person. Generally safe for babies, children and elderly.
Considerations: As it is considered cooling and drying consideration should be taken with cold and/or dry
people or conditions. No known herb-drug interaction
This plant teaches raw, wide open love complete with scars, thorns and an abiding sense of selfknowledge. Kiva Rose
Resources: Kiva Rose “Sweet Medicine: Healing with the Wild Heart of Rose” blog entry at
www.bearmedcineherbals.com
Invasive Plant Medicine by Timothy Lee Scott
Botany in a Day by Thomas J. Epel
Opening our Wild Hearts to the Healing Herbs by Gail Faith Edwards
The Practice of Traditional Western Herbalism by Matthew Wood
The Yoga of Herbs by Dr. David Frawley and Dr. Vasant Lad
Compiled 1/11 by
Amanda David,
Rootwork Herbals