The benefits of rosehip seeds

In powder or oil form, these little seeds have a range of benefits.

 

 What are they?

Rosehips are the fruit that occurs on wild rose bushes from late summer to autumn. The rosehips from some species, particularly the dog rose (Rosa canina) and wild rose (Rosa rugosa), are one of the richest plant sources of vitamin C, with about 1700 to 2000 milligrams per 100 grams in the dried product. In contrast, an orange contains 50 milligrams of vitamin C per 100 grams and a kiwifruit 90 milligrams per 100 grams.

The seeds can be ground up and ingested in powder form or brewed as a tea. The oil is also pressed and extracted for topical application. Rosehip seed has also been found to act as a mild laxative and diuretic. Rosehip seed oil is the only vegetable oil to contain retinol (vitamin A). It is also high in the essential fatty acids, linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3), as well as the antioxidant lycopene and beta-carotene. It is often used in skincare products. It can be used on its own or added to creams and lotions.

The pros

Danish and Norwegian studies have found that rosehip seed powder reduces pain and improves movement for osteoarthritis sufferers, though some believe more trials need to be conducted.Preliminary studies have also shown that the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in rosehip may help to reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's and heart disease. A 1983 study at the University of Santiago in Chile found that rosehip seed oil reduced the appearance of scars, wrinkles and UV damage, but many believe more research is needed.

The essential fatty acids in rosehip seed oil give it moisturising properties and the antioxidants and beta-carotene may help to prevent signs of ageing. It may also promote wound healing by stimulating tissue regeneration. The vitamin A is said to help combat wrinkles, sun damage and uneven skin tone. Rosehip seed oil does not need to be diluted in a carrier oil and is said to be safe for sensitive skins.

The cons

Much of the vitamin C in rosehip seeds is destroyed in the drying and extraction process. Many supplements that claim their vitamin C is from rosehips combine it with vitamin C from other sources. The quality of the vitamin C found in rosehip seeds is no better than that found in other, more common sources and it is more expensive and difficult to obtain.

Pure rosehip seed oil can be expensive and have a short shelf life. It often needs to be refrigerated. Though the oil is said to be safe for all skin types, it is still possible to have an adverse reaction to it, so do a patch test before applying, particularly if you have sensitive skin.