Rose Hips: An Immune-Boosting Powerhouse for the Whole Family

When you think of roses, you might picture beautiful, fragrant blooms, but did you know that the rose plant offers more than just beauty? After the petals fall away, the plant produces vibrant red-orange fruits called rose hips—a small but mighty herb packed with nutrients and healing properties.

What Are Rose Hips? Rose hips (Latin name: Rosa canina) are the fruit of the wild rose plant, and they’ve been used for centuries in traditional medicine. These tiny fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory compounds, making them one of the most nutrient-dense herbs available.

In fact, rose hips contain 50% more vitamin C than oranges, which makes them a powerful ally for boosting immunity. They're especially helpful for supporting respiratory health and soothing cold symptoms like a sore throat, congestion, or cough.

The Therapeutic Benefits of Rose Hips

From an herbalist’s perspective, rose hips are cherished for their ability to:

• Boost the immune system and reduce the frequency of colds and flu
• Soothe joint pain and reduce inflammation, particularly in arthritis
• Promote healthy skin and support tissue regeneration
• Aid digestion and calm an upset stomach

A Little-Known Historical Fact: During times of hunger and war, when fresh fruit was scarce, rose hips were widely used as a natural vitamin supplement to prevent scurvy due to their high vitamin C content. 

How to Harvest & Make Rose Hip Tea

For the kitchen herbalist, rose hips are easy to harvest and use in a variety of remedies. The best time to gather rose hips is in the fall, after the first frost when the hips are fully ripe and a deep red or orange color. Simply cut them from the rose bush, remove the seeds, and dry them for future use.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy their immune-boosting benefits is by making rose hip tea. Here’s a simple recipe:

Indigenous Wisdom on Rose Hips

Rose hips have long been used by Indigenous peoples of North America for their medicinal benefits. The Lakota, Dakota, Navajo, and Cherokee tribes all incorporated rose hips into their herbal practices. The hips were often used to make tea for treating colds, promoting blood strength, and supporting respiratory health. The Blackfoot tribe used rose hips as a winter food to prevent scurvy, thanks to their high vitamin content. 

For Indigenous peoples, rose hips were seen as more than just a remedy—they were considered a sacred gift from nature, embodying resilience and nourishment. As modern herbalist we are so grateful for those who came before us to show us how to work with plants in a sacred way. 

Safety Note: When working with rose hips, always remove the seeds before consumption, as they can irritate the digestive tract.

Rose Hips at Birth Song Botanicals

At Birth Song Botanicals, we harness the power of rose hips in several of our herbal products, including our pregnancy and menstrual teas as well as our immune-boosting blends. One of our favorite ways to use rose hips is in our Children’s Daily Immune Tincture. This gentle formula is designed to strengthen your child’s immune system naturally, without harsh chemicals or artificial ingredients.

Our Children’s Daily Immune Tincture is a blend of Astragalus Root and Rose Hips, two herbs that work together to support immune function and overall health.

• Rose hips provide a rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants to help ward off colds and keep the immune system strong. 
• Astragalus Root, a powerful adaptogen, supports the body’s defenses, increases energy, and helps children build resilience to stress and seasonal changes. 🌱

By incorporating rose hips into your family’s daily routine, you’re giving them nature’s best defense against illness.

Support Your Family’s Health Naturally 

We invite you to check out our Children’s Daily Immune Tincture and explore all the benefits of rose hips and Astragalus for your little ones. Order yours today and experience the power of these time-honored herbs!

Just remember that sickness happens. We can never prevent it entirely. But by boosting our kids' immune systems, we can give their bodies the tools they need to stay as healthy as possible. To keep your children healthy all cough, cold and flu season, download our Herbs For Kids Online Ebook and Online Course!

***This is post for educational purposes. I am not a doctor. I do not intend to treat, diagnose, or cure any disease or illness. What you do with this information is entirely your personal responsibility. Our products have not been approved by the FDA.

I sincerely hope you enjoy your rose hip tea!

Hugs,
Maria

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