We are at the height of the season for roses. That means rose hips are also in full season as they ripen through autumn. They look like little red or orange-colored bulbs found under the flower’s petals. Some varieties of roses may produce a darker purple or even black bulb. They are sometimes referred to as rose haw or rose hep.
So, what’s all the hubbub about with rose hips? Well, these are amazing little medicinal powerhouses! Let’s take a closer look at what they can be used for.
Rose hips are great for pain relief. The natural anti-inflammatory properties reduce pain, swelling, and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis and many other inflammatory disorders. I imagine many of you remember your grandparents drinking rose hip tea.
These little beauties are high in vitamin C, which can boost your immune system. It also stimulates your body to help support the blood system to produce white blood cells to fight off infections, helps reduce the risk of heart disease, and even lowers your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels.
If you have a history of iron-related disorders, such as hemochromatosis, or thalassemia, a word of caution: the high vitamin C content can increase iron absorption which can make these conditions worse.
The antioxidant aspect of rose hips provides many benefits to help the human body, including protection against some chronic conditions like heart disease, cancer, and even type II diabetes. Antioxidants have anti-inflammatory properties, which really help with pain control for many people. People that suffer from osteoarthritis can really benefit from rose hips.
Rose hip oil can help the skin as well. You’ve heard of rose water, but rose oil made from rose hips can help to reduce signs of aging by brightening the skin and reducing wrinkles. Say goodbye to those crow’s feet, ladies! This amazing oil is extremely moisturizing and delicate enough to use daily. It can even help ease the discomfort of eczema and help to heal wounds faster.
So how do you utilize this healing herb? You can harvest the bulbs from the rose bush and dehydrate them in a dehydrator. After that, you can store them in a mason jar, or you can just purchase the dried form, available at Midwest Witchery and Healing. It’s very easy to make tea from rose hips – just steep them in hot water for 3 mins. Make the oil by using a combination of rose hips, either fresh or dried, mixed with jojoba oil. Always make sure the rose hips you gather have not had any chemical treatments on them. Heat the oil on low for 8 hours, then strain and only store the oil. This is sensitive to light, so use a dark bottle or jar for storing and is good for up to 8 months.
Did you know that rose hips are used frequently in magical practices for a variety of things? They are used to attract good luck and fortune, prosperity, confidence, truth, and even protection. They can be placed into a spell bottle or a sachet. That rose hip oil you made can be used to dress candles or used in a ritual bath. Place rose hips under your pillow at night to ward off nightmares. You can even adorn your altar with them.
Rose hips are a great offering to give to different deities, including Venus, Aphrodite, and Isis. So, on the next full moon, place rose hips in your spell work to assist you in manifesting your desires. Rose hips have been used for centuries by our ancestors. Let’s get back to our roots and utilize this amazing herb and reap its benefits.
Do check with your medical general practitioner before taking any herbal supplements to make sure that they are not contradicting any prescribed medication or medical condition you may have. If you want to learn more about rose hips stop in and talk with Witch Jodi at Midwest Witchery and Healing.
Enjoy reading this article? Read more from “Witch Jodi” Jacobson
